Greetings of solidarity to all, from the workers of Triumph Philipines.
I would like to update you on the situation of the Triumph workers, who have been protesting outside the recently closed Triumph factory. The combined forces of the Taguig PNP, Barangay Security Forces of Western Bicutan, FTI maintenance personnel, Nationwide Security Agency, Pasig Regional Trial Court sheriff Mario Silvestre and Triumph management, have initiated the total destruction of our picket line and camp. Our attempt to defend our rights and demand social justice has been cruelly destroyed.
At 8am on May 4th a 200-strong dispersal team arrived at the picket. After only 10 minutes, they had totally wrecked our temporary shelter, resulting in casualties and a painful experience for all involved. We were treated like criminals. The men took our belongings, including our union files and equipment, and threw them into the street like rubbish. Iron barricades were put around the Triumph building and were guarded by fifty security guards. Thirteen workers were trapped inside this barricade, whilst outside, the remaining Triumph workers were attempting to build a replacement shelter. Eventually, despite the efforts of the security guards to prevent this, the determination of the workers won through, and they succeeded in erecting a replacement tent.
Once this picket was erected, we were then made to feel intimidated by the presence of suspicious individuals who proceeded to circle the area in cars and motorbikes. Union members feared that one man on a motorcycle was armed.
At 11am on May 6th twenty Taguig PNP policemen arrived at the picket. They assisted the security guards in barricading the route between our tent and the factory building. Shortly afterwards, Triumph personnel arrived and proceeded to empty the boxes of equipment from the Triumph building.
We were shocked at this behaviour, and how quickly they had acted. I managed to speak to the police and the general manager of FTI, who told me that the workers personal belongings were being removed from the building, in order to easily empty the remaining contents of the Triumph building. The worker's belongings being in the factory created a problem, as if anything was damaged, the FTI would be held responsible.
On May 7th we noticed that an extra thirty security guards were now surrounding the building, in addition to the existing fifty guards. I decided to make my protest statement by driving around the area in a motorcycle and shouting from my megaphone. I felt this had a positive result, as soon the guards left the area.
On the same day at around 10am, a representative from the Department of Labour and Employment came to check on the situation, as he had been informed of a violent disruption and extensive casualties. He informed us that he would be reporting the incident and would organise a meeting with Triumph management. A meeting was set for May 13th between Triumph management and Linda Baldoz – Under Secretary of DOLE.
FTI administration is still threatening to forcibly remove the remaining equipment and machinery from the former Triumph building. We are more miserable and desperate than ever before. We appeal to everyone to support us in our struggle, to help us achieve justice for the affected casualties and to punish those responsible. We are also in desperate need of financial support if we are to find a new location for our salvaged machines and damaged equipment.
On behalf of the Triumph workers in the Philippines and our union thank you so much.
Long Live International Solidarity.
