CHRONICLE OF A CALL FOR LABOR POWER
by Gregorio V. Bituin Jr.
Written sometime in 1997
On February 22-25, 1986, thousands of Filipinos joined hands in EDSA and struggled for freedom and democracy against the tyranny that exists for almost two decades. Their anger against oppressions and other kinds of injustices which prevail in so many years of dictatorship were felt from any part of the country. In those four days of tension, people went to the streets of EDSA to defend democracy against the totalitarian regime. People stopped tanks, armored personnel carriers, and the like, while others gave flowers and food to soldiers. The first family flew to Hawaii as they saw the people's ire against their leadership. The people rejoiced as they regain freedom and democracy. The reign of greed has just come to an end. Marcos fled, but his henchmen still remained.
The memory of greed continued to haunt us. Injustices still exists. The same injustices that culminated during the Marcos era. Eleven years after the Filipino people's memorable victory against the fascist regime, another strong assembly of freedom fighters emerged. A reminiscence of the people's power in EDSA was formed. But this time, it’s not against a fascist regime, but against an oppressive system constituted of foreign domination. The workers of the German company Telefunken Microelectronics, Inc. (Temic) were fighting for their lives.
Almost one thousand five hundred workers of Temic were illegally dismissed, but after the Department of Labor (DOLE) examined their case and proved to be insufficient enough to dismiss them, the Labor Secretary signed five reinstatement orders. The fifth being final and executory.
DOLE ordered the Temic management to reinstate the 1,500 workers, mostly female, so that they can go back to work. From September 1995, at least five orders were regulated by the DOLE, but the Temic management refused to obey. Yes, the German management defies the orders of DOLE. They clearly defy the Philippine laws. But alas, the government did not want to intervene. The government itself became blind and deaf to the plight of his own people.
The brave workers of Temic continued to struggle for the right they clearly own. They even stayed in the DOLE building to force the government to act against the Temic management. They even postponed their Christmas and New Year with their families to fight for justice. But alas, their eleven days of stay in the DOLE Building were met with another unforgivable act. They were harassed by the band of blind obedient cowboys who wear kaki uniforms, with guns and revolvers in their waist. They were the government's instrument of oppression. The Temic workers were jailed when they only defend what is right and just. These workers were jailed because they want justice for the battle they have just won, but not rightfully given to them. These workers were jailed because they love their family so much.
Workers from different unions know what is happening. They sympathize to the plight of the Temic workers. They feel the need for solidarity. They feel the need to unite all struggling workers in the land. This time, they know that the Temic struggle is not just a struggle of Temic workers alone. It is the struggle of the workers against the capitalist class.
On January 30, 1997, almost 12,000 workers from different labor unions displayed a show of force, so that the Temic management will see how supportive other labor organizations are in the plight of the Temic workers. These momentous activities were not surfaced in the leading newspapers in the land. The government ordered a news blackout as they fear the power of the workers.
Eleven years after the historical Edsa uprising, different labor unions organized themselves to form another people power. It is a reminiscence of the People's Power revolution in 1986. Almost two hundred unions in the NCR alone gave support and attended the four-day Labor Power declaration.
On February 21, the leaders of the Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP), one of the biggest labor organizations in the country, headed by Ka Popoy Lagman, announced the launching of the Labor Power. The struggle of the workers against the capitalist oppression must come to an end.
Different banners and streamers of different labor unions and people's organization can be seen. There was a stage in the intersection of the Temic compound. Outside Temic, workers, supporters and visitors alike were busy talking with each other while others were watching the presentation in the center stage.
During the second day (Feb. 22) Renato Constantino Jr., national chairperson of Sanlakas, one of the largest people's organization in the country, made his remarkable and very supportive speech in front of different unions and people's organizations. Even popular actresses in Philippine cinema such as Beth Tamayo showed their support and entertained the brave workers of Temic. Emotional political songs from Teatro Pabrika and speeches of leaders from various labor unions and urban poor added light to the burning hearts of the struggling workers. A video on Temic were also filmed, with an introduction from the movie Schindler's list.
The following day, movie actress Tetchie Agbayani made the night an entertaining one. She approached one of the males in front and dances with him in the delight of the large crowd. Singing and dancing were the activities of the night. As usual, speeches of supporters and other union leaders contributed to the program.
On the third day, a film about child workers was shown. The film was an account from the church sector's labor desk. It revealed how poverty in the province made these child workers work in an early stage, when they should be at the school at the time. After the film on child abuse, the documentary film of the ABS-CBN on Temic workers struggle followed. The workers shouted in anger when the most emotional part of the Channel 2's video was shown. In one of the scene a policeman dragged the female workers one by one from DOLE office. Another female worker collapsed as the female police seemed unknowing what to do. Almost four o-clock in the morning when most of the people gathering in front of the stage slept.
Supporters, volunteers and the workers themselves prepared for the next day (Feb. 25) At about 9 a.m., a handful of volunteers went on the nearby towns in Temic, such as the Maharlika Village, to give leaflets, while inviting them to the final salvo of Labor Power. At about 1 pm, workers from Kapatiran ng mga Pangulo ng Unyon sa Pilipinas (KPUP) from Cavite and Laguna, and workers from nearby town, arrived. Most of those who gave support to the Temic workers were members of labor unions affiliated to the KPUP and BMP. They assembled themselves at the front gate of FTI Complex. They displayed their organized march to Temic which is a symbol of unity of the workers for Labor Power, because they believe that Labor Power is what they need to defend and uphold their democratic rights from the uncaring government. From the government who cares only for the interest of foreign investors while neglecting the struggle of his own people.
About 20,000 people marching around Temic compound gathered in the afternoon, baring their strength and unity against the capitalist oppressor in Temic. Different banners from supporters and other labor groups were waving, while others were chanting "Manggagawa ng Temic, Ibalik! Ibalik sa trabaho!" While they arrived from the parade of unity, they watched and listened to the program in stage.
Well-known leaders from different unions and people's organizations expressed their support through speeches fired with emotions and sympathy.
Through the day was scorching hot, the workers stayed through the program, not minding the burning heat of the sun. One can feel the workers solidarity in the air. And as the day wears on and the night started to creep, the atmosphere was almost festive. Names were called to give statement of support and some were requested to sing. In fact, Atty. Levi Mangali, Temic's labor lawyer sang a few lines, with the delight of the watching crowd.
Until the early morning of the next day, when workers and those who support their struggle were happily chatting with each other, people began to go home. They went home not to say goodbye to their struggle, but to lay their restless body in their bed. But in their heart, the struggle of the Temic workers and other labor unions will stay in their hearts and mind. They know, this is not the end, but the beginning of their continued struggle until social justice will rest in their hand.
by Gregorio V. Bituin Jr.
Written sometime in 1997
On February 22-25, 1986, thousands of Filipinos joined hands in EDSA and struggled for freedom and democracy against the tyranny that exists for almost two decades. Their anger against oppressions and other kinds of injustices which prevail in so many years of dictatorship were felt from any part of the country. In those four days of tension, people went to the streets of EDSA to defend democracy against the totalitarian regime. People stopped tanks, armored personnel carriers, and the like, while others gave flowers and food to soldiers. The first family flew to Hawaii as they saw the people's ire against their leadership. The people rejoiced as they regain freedom and democracy. The reign of greed has just come to an end. Marcos fled, but his henchmen still remained.
The memory of greed continued to haunt us. Injustices still exists. The same injustices that culminated during the Marcos era. Eleven years after the Filipino people's memorable victory against the fascist regime, another strong assembly of freedom fighters emerged. A reminiscence of the people's power in EDSA was formed. But this time, it’s not against a fascist regime, but against an oppressive system constituted of foreign domination. The workers of the German company Telefunken Microelectronics, Inc. (Temic) were fighting for their lives.
Almost one thousand five hundred workers of Temic were illegally dismissed, but after the Department of Labor (DOLE) examined their case and proved to be insufficient enough to dismiss them, the Labor Secretary signed five reinstatement orders. The fifth being final and executory.
DOLE ordered the Temic management to reinstate the 1,500 workers, mostly female, so that they can go back to work. From September 1995, at least five orders were regulated by the DOLE, but the Temic management refused to obey. Yes, the German management defies the orders of DOLE. They clearly defy the Philippine laws. But alas, the government did not want to intervene. The government itself became blind and deaf to the plight of his own people.
The brave workers of Temic continued to struggle for the right they clearly own. They even stayed in the DOLE building to force the government to act against the Temic management. They even postponed their Christmas and New Year with their families to fight for justice. But alas, their eleven days of stay in the DOLE Building were met with another unforgivable act. They were harassed by the band of blind obedient cowboys who wear kaki uniforms, with guns and revolvers in their waist. They were the government's instrument of oppression. The Temic workers were jailed when they only defend what is right and just. These workers were jailed because they want justice for the battle they have just won, but not rightfully given to them. These workers were jailed because they love their family so much.
Workers from different unions know what is happening. They sympathize to the plight of the Temic workers. They feel the need for solidarity. They feel the need to unite all struggling workers in the land. This time, they know that the Temic struggle is not just a struggle of Temic workers alone. It is the struggle of the workers against the capitalist class.
On January 30, 1997, almost 12,000 workers from different labor unions displayed a show of force, so that the Temic management will see how supportive other labor organizations are in the plight of the Temic workers. These momentous activities were not surfaced in the leading newspapers in the land. The government ordered a news blackout as they fear the power of the workers.
Eleven years after the historical Edsa uprising, different labor unions organized themselves to form another people power. It is a reminiscence of the People's Power revolution in 1986. Almost two hundred unions in the NCR alone gave support and attended the four-day Labor Power declaration.
On February 21, the leaders of the Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP), one of the biggest labor organizations in the country, headed by Ka Popoy Lagman, announced the launching of the Labor Power. The struggle of the workers against the capitalist oppression must come to an end.
Different banners and streamers of different labor unions and people's organization can be seen. There was a stage in the intersection of the Temic compound. Outside Temic, workers, supporters and visitors alike were busy talking with each other while others were watching the presentation in the center stage.
During the second day (Feb. 22) Renato Constantino Jr., national chairperson of Sanlakas, one of the largest people's organization in the country, made his remarkable and very supportive speech in front of different unions and people's organizations. Even popular actresses in Philippine cinema such as Beth Tamayo showed their support and entertained the brave workers of Temic. Emotional political songs from Teatro Pabrika and speeches of leaders from various labor unions and urban poor added light to the burning hearts of the struggling workers. A video on Temic were also filmed, with an introduction from the movie Schindler's list.
The following day, movie actress Tetchie Agbayani made the night an entertaining one. She approached one of the males in front and dances with him in the delight of the large crowd. Singing and dancing were the activities of the night. As usual, speeches of supporters and other union leaders contributed to the program.
On the third day, a film about child workers was shown. The film was an account from the church sector's labor desk. It revealed how poverty in the province made these child workers work in an early stage, when they should be at the school at the time. After the film on child abuse, the documentary film of the ABS-CBN on Temic workers struggle followed. The workers shouted in anger when the most emotional part of the Channel 2's video was shown. In one of the scene a policeman dragged the female workers one by one from DOLE office. Another female worker collapsed as the female police seemed unknowing what to do. Almost four o-clock in the morning when most of the people gathering in front of the stage slept.
Supporters, volunteers and the workers themselves prepared for the next day (Feb. 25) At about 9 a.m., a handful of volunteers went on the nearby towns in Temic, such as the Maharlika Village, to give leaflets, while inviting them to the final salvo of Labor Power. At about 1 pm, workers from Kapatiran ng mga Pangulo ng Unyon sa Pilipinas (KPUP) from Cavite and Laguna, and workers from nearby town, arrived. Most of those who gave support to the Temic workers were members of labor unions affiliated to the KPUP and BMP. They assembled themselves at the front gate of FTI Complex. They displayed their organized march to Temic which is a symbol of unity of the workers for Labor Power, because they believe that Labor Power is what they need to defend and uphold their democratic rights from the uncaring government. From the government who cares only for the interest of foreign investors while neglecting the struggle of his own people.
About 20,000 people marching around Temic compound gathered in the afternoon, baring their strength and unity against the capitalist oppressor in Temic. Different banners from supporters and other labor groups were waving, while others were chanting "Manggagawa ng Temic, Ibalik! Ibalik sa trabaho!" While they arrived from the parade of unity, they watched and listened to the program in stage.
Well-known leaders from different unions and people's organizations expressed their support through speeches fired with emotions and sympathy.
Through the day was scorching hot, the workers stayed through the program, not minding the burning heat of the sun. One can feel the workers solidarity in the air. And as the day wears on and the night started to creep, the atmosphere was almost festive. Names were called to give statement of support and some were requested to sing. In fact, Atty. Levi Mangali, Temic's labor lawyer sang a few lines, with the delight of the watching crowd.
Until the early morning of the next day, when workers and those who support their struggle were happily chatting with each other, people began to go home. They went home not to say goodbye to their struggle, but to lay their restless body in their bed. But in their heart, the struggle of the Temic workers and other labor unions will stay in their hearts and mind. They know, this is not the end, but the beginning of their continued struggle until social justice will rest in their hand.
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