GAWA: Coca-Cola cannot use TRAIN Law as excuse for layoffs

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Employees of the Bacolod City Coca-Cola plant plan to protest the impending layoffs earlier announced by Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines. The company attributed the decision to the implementation of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, which will result in over 600 employees losing their jobs, including 51 at the local plant.

In a radio interview yesterday morning, Negros Occidental Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) chapter spokesperson Benjie dela Cruz said they questioned the retrenchment process being employed by the company, claiming Coca-Cola is violating a collective bargaining agreement agreed to with the employees’ union.

He noted, however, many employees have already accepted a separation package, which includes a payout of 200 percent of their wage multiplied by the number of years with the company.

The union spokesperson added, many were unaware the separation package was a one-time pay out.

Meanwhile, local labor group, General Alliance of Workers Association (GAWA), said Coca-Cola cannot use the TRAIN Law as an “excuse” for retrenching its personnel.

GAWA Secretary-General Wennie Sancho said the precedent would be followed by other companies and workers should monitor the situation carefully.

Sancho also pointed out Coca-Cola would not be affected by the law as a company, but rather the workers themselves.

“In general, we condemn this anti-labor practice by the beverage companies,” Sancho said.

Sancho also reiterated his call for the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to intervene on the matter, calling it “their responsibility.”/DGB, WDJ