The Ecumenical Institute for Labor Education and Research (EILER) stands in full solidarity with the Kawasaki United Labor Union (KULU), now on the 27th day of their strike at Kawasaki Motors Philippines Corporation (KMPC).

The strike began on May 21, following a year of stalled negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Despite prolonged discussions, management has refused to meet the union’s call for a 12% wage increase, and even rejected an earlier 7% proposal. The CBA has been deadlocked since August of last year.

While management claims financial losses as the reason for their refusal to negotiate, union leaders dispute this. According to union leaders, the workers’ demand represents only 0.86% of Kawasaki’s revenues which translates to roughly ₱37 million spread over three years.KULU firmly asserts that their demands are both just and reasonable. EILER echoes this position, emphasizing that it is the workers who generate the company’s wealth thus, making their call for a fair wage not only justified but a fundamental right.

We urge the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to ensure the protection of workers’ rights, especially as concerning reports emerge that trees providing shade to the striking workers are being cut down despite the extreme heat and reports of management interfering with the strike by spreading false information stating that the protest action will result in the company being closed down and the factory being relocated. 

We fully support the workers of Kawasaki Motors Philippines Corporation as they carry out the first strike in the company’s 57-year history. We call on all trade unions, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens to stand in solidarity with the workers of Kawasaki in their fight for the right to collective bargaining, a living wage, and the right to strike.

#KawasakiWorkersOnStrike
#StandWithKawasakiWorkers
#SahodItaas

Mga sanggunian:

Sinaking, Erika. (2025). Kawasaki workers protest stalled CBA talks, demand living wage, benefits. https://www.bulatlat.com/…/kawasaki-workers-protest…/

Kawasaki United Labor Union-KULU. (2025). https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575502986541