DEU | Human Rights Online Philippines

Tag Archives: DEU

[Press Release] DOLE and PLDT play Dodgeball; DEU vigilant while waiting on the sidelines

Posted on July 5, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

DOLE and PLDT play Dodgeball;
DEU vigilant while waiting on the sidelines
Reclaim Workers Dignity: Justice for DEU Workers

The Digitel Employees Union now have two Protest Centers: the first one was erected in front of PLDT Main Office at Ayala, Makati City last April 10, 2013; and the second one was built in front of DOLE Office at Intramuros, Manila last July 4, 2013.

These regular employees were illegally terminated from DIGITEL, first quarter of 2013, and were immediately replaced by contractual workers. The finalization of PLDT-DIGITEL sales/share-swap was October of 2012. But the Corporation Code (sec. 80) states that … The surviving or consolidated entity must, therefore, recognize the security of tenure and length of service of the workers of the merging or consolidating corporations….

Members of DEU are seeking full implementation and complete realization of the Writ-of-Execution order signed and issued by the Honorable DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz last March 19, 2013, bolstered by the January 21, 2013 Supreme Court decision with Finality that was in favor of DEU, wherein it directs DIGITEL to commence Collective Bargaining Agreement with DEU and to reinstate affected employees.

This decision capped the nine (9) years of struggle of DEU, winning all 25 legal battles against DIGITEL-PLDT. But then, PLDT Management keeps on ignoring the decision and order of the Supreme Court and the Office of Department of Labor and Employment. Meanwhile, the Office of DOLE Sec. Rosalinda Baldoz cannot enforce and carry out its own directive and order.

PLDT management is not only playing tricks on the humble workers and the Filipino people; but also, they are playing around the justice system of the Philippines, making a mockery of the rule of law.

Take note of the facts and figures, and you be the judge.

Court Cases LOST WON

DIGITEL-PLDT 25 0 (ZERO)

Digitel Employees Union 0 25 + Writ-of-Execution

Press Release
July 5, 2013

FOR REFERENCE:
Alan Licardo – President – 09225375689
Fritz Alzuelo – Vice President – 09225342986
Blogsite: digitelemployeesunion.wordpress.com/
Email: digitel.employees.union@gmail.com
Twitter: @DEUbraves
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/digitelemployeesunion/
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/DEUBraves
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/deubraves

Press Release

[From the web] PLDT suko na! -DEU

Posted on June 9, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

PLDT suko na! / Published : Saturday, June 08, 2013 / Written by : People’s Tonight.

NAPIPINTO na umanong matapos ang pag-aaklas ng mga miyembro ng Digitel Employees’ Union (DEU) na magtatatlong buwan nang naka-hunger strike dahil sa iligal na pagsibak ng Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) sa mga kawani ng Digitel makaraang mabili ang nasabing telco noong 2011. Batay sa report, pagbibigyan na ng pamunuan ng PLDT ang mga kahilingan ng DEU, kabilang ang pagbabalik sa trabaho ng kanilang mga kasamahan at ang gawing regular na empleyado ng PLDT ang mga ito.

Sa kabila ng magandang balitang ito ay hindi pa rin lubusang natutuwa ang DEU dahil sa agam-agam na walang pakialam ang PLDT sa kapakanan ng mga empleyado nito.

Sa panayam sa ilang miyembro ng DEU na tumangging ipabanggit ang kanilang pangalan, ginagamit umano ng naturang telco ang Beneficial Trust Fund (BTF) na nakalaan sa pensiyon ng mga magreretirong empleyado sa ibang pagkakagastusan.

Read full article @digitelemployeesunion.wordpress.com

From the web

[Press Release] PLDT Opens Door for Digitel Workers, Protest Center Continues -DEU

Posted on May 30, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

PLDT Opens Door for Digitel Workers, Protest Center Continues

The labor dispute between the management and the affected workers has reached preliminary settlement purposes. This was the result of the latest round of tripartite dialogue between the PLDT Management, DOLE and Digitel Employees Union (DEU) last May 27.

The remaining 88 employees based on the list submitted by the DEU will be subject to PLDT’s medical and interview screening for employment purposes. A coordination committee will be created to oversee the smooth and organized implementation of the activity.

As a sign of trust and confidence to the intention of PLDT management, the Union removed placards, signage and streamers at the picket line.

PLDT estimates that the process of screening will take about three (3) weeks, thereafter, a conciliation proceeding under the auspices of CMO-OSEC will be temporarily suspended until the next meeting on June 28, 2013 at 10:00 AM.

It’s been 49 days now, since the Digitel employees started a picket in front of the PLDT main office at Ayala, Makati last April 10, 2013, because they were illegally terminated from their regular jobs. Armed with the Supreme Court decision, G.R.No. 184903-04 issued with finality last January 21, 2013 and the Department of Labor and Employment order, the Writ of Execution issued last March 19, 2013, these Digitel employees are looking for justice, urging PLDT/DIGITEL management to respect the law.

The preliminary settlement between PLDT and DEU would be a big relief to their struggle; it came at a time where children of the affected employees are waiting and unsure if they would be back to school this June. DEU President Alan Licardo said,” We want to ensure that our kids will have a good future, but we will only be able to do that if we will have our jobs back.”

the DEU workers are still vigilant on the initial settlement offered by the management. They are expecting a speedy resolution to their cause; they are hopeful that PLDT management under the leadership of Manny Pangilinan, PLDT Chairman, and Butch Jimenez, PLDT Human Resources SVP, will abide by the Supreme Court decision and the DOLE order.

FOR REFERENCE:
Alan Licardo – President – 09225375689 Fritz Alzuelo – Vice President – 09225342986

Blogsite: digitelemployeesunion.wordpress.com/ Email: digitel.employees.union@gmail.com

Twitter: @DEUbraves or twitter.com/DEUbraves Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/DEUBraves

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/digitelemployesunion/
Petition Site: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/405/755/620/digitel-employees-union-fights-for-its-labor-rights/

Press Release

May 29, 2013

Press Release

[Statement] Reclaim Workers Dignity: Justice to DEU Workers

Posted on May 22, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Reclaim Workers Dignity: Justice to DEU Workers
Vigilance at Latest Tripartite Hearing Stressed

Members of Digitel Employees Union (DEU) are currently engaged in a labor dispute against the telecommunication giant PLDT/DIGITEL, the outcome of which may redefine the enjoyment of labor rights of workers everywhere.

It has been forty two (42) days since April 10 that ninety three (93) members of DEU launched a peaceful protest in front of PLDT Main Office at Ayala, Makati City against the closure/redundancy by DIGITEL-PLDT implemented last February 7, 2013. Thirty six (36) days back, last April 16, some members led by DEU president Alan Licardo started a Hunger Strike to highlight their protest and plight at the hands of the PLDT/DIGITEL management.

According to PLDT, the closure was because of ‘end of life’ facilities of the latter, DIGITEL, and has earned telecommunication giant PLDT, P1.5 Billion in savings. Even former owner John Gokongwei got Php 1 Billion dividend in the last quarter of 2012, while PLDT earned Php 37 Billion net profit as a result of this business coup.

Indeed, the redundancy was merely a blind to render moot the earlier Supreme Court decision issued last January 21, 2013 that would have been a fitting end to almost twenty years of struggle with management to exercise the right of DEU to collectively bargain.

It also violates the Corporation Code (sec. 80) states that: The surviving or consolidated entity must, therefore, recognize the security of tenure and length of service of the workers of the merging or consolidating corporations.

DIGITEL is not losing money and their jobs still exist. But rather than retain as regulars, workers were offered Early Retirement and Voluntary Resignation Programs (ERP/VRP) and were promised to be re-hired. Unfortunately, most of those who took a chance in availing ERP/VRP-Rehire program gave up their job security and benefits: some ended up working as contractuals under PLDT’s outsourcing companies like PeopleServe and ServeFlex; others “failed” to pass probationary employment; and, there are those who did not pass their medical tests. Only a handful got to actually work for PLDT.

These affected employees are engineers and multi-skilled technicians that come from various DIGITEL offices across Luzon, they are held hostage by this unlawful act of the management that jeopardized not only their means of livelihood but also the dreams of their children and the future of labor.

Last March 19, 2013, a WRIT OF EXECUTION was issued by Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz. The DOLE orders the commencement of Collective Bargaining Agreement and reinstatement of affected employees. In the meantime, PLDT-DIGITEL has continued to defy the order of the the Highest Court of the Philippines, making a mockery of the rule of law and the concept of justice.

Now there is an on-going tripartite hearing between PLDT-DIGITEL, DEU and mediated by DOLE, the workers will keep watch and be vigilant that justice for their fight be theirs and in so doing reclaim the dignity of labor, often sacrificed for profit. Their demand: give them back their regular jobs. Restore the pride and dignity of labor.

Statement

[Statement] Reclaim Dignity of Workers.. Justice for the Braves! -DEU

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Reclaim Dignity of Workers.. Justice for the Braves!

Members of Digitel Employees Union (DEU) are currently engaged in a labor dispute against the telecommunication giant PLDT/DIGITEL, the outcome of which may redefine the satisfaction of labor rights to workers everywhere.

Forty two (42) days ago, last April 10, 93 members of DEU launched a peaceful protest in front of PLDT Main Office at Ayala, Makati City. They launched picket activities because after PLDT acquired DIGITEL, closure due to end-of-life facilities and redundancy greeted the workers last February 7, 2013. They were illegally terminated from their regular jobs, a stumbling block to the favorable Supreme Court decision issued with finality dated January 21, 2013 that would have been a fitting end to almost twenty years of struggle with management to exercise the right of DEU to collectively bargain.

Thirty six (36) days back, last April 16, some members led by DEU president Alan Licardo started a Hunger Strike to highlight their protest and plight at the hands of the PLDT/DIGITEL management. The PLDT/DIGITEL closure and integration to justify redundancy violates corporate law wherein the Corporation Code (sec. 80) states that: The surviving or consolidated entity must, therefore, recognize the security of tenure and length of service of the workers of the merging or consolidating corporations.

DIGITEL is not losing money, why were the employees given the boot? When in fact, former owner John Gokongwei got Php 1 Billion dividend in the last quarter of 2012, while PLDT earned Php 37 Billion net profit as a result of this business coup. Instead, regular employees were offered Early Retirement and Voluntary Resignation Programs (ERP/VRP) and were promised to be re-hired. Unfortunately, most of those who took a chance in availing ERP/VRP-Rehire program gave up their job security and benefits: some ended up working as contractuals under PLDT’s outsourcing companies like PeopleServe and ServeFlex; others “failed” to pass probationary employment; and, there are those who did not pass their medical tests. Only a handful got to actually work for PLDT.

Last March 19, 2013, a WRIT OF EXECUTION was issued by Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz. The DOLE orders the commencement of Collective Bargaining Agreement and reinstatement of affected employees. These affected employees are engineers and multi-skilled technicians that come from various DIGITEL offices across Luzon, they are held hostage by this unlawful act of the management that jeopardized not only their means of livelihood but also the dreams of their children and the future of labor

The brave men and women of DEU are against the mass termination, union busting and contractualization implemented by the PLDT/DIGITEL management which aims to frustrate the implementation of the SC decision and DOLE order. Their continuous defiance on the directive makes the Highest Court of the Philippines appear stupid and powerless, a mockery on the idea of rule of law and justice.

In the face of these challenges, the DEU members are determined and committed in continuing the struggle that has earned them 25 favorable court decisions in a span of nine (9) years. Sadly, all these legal wins seem to have no bearing on an influential and rich company like PLDT.

Digitel workers deserve respect, their labor and human rights must never be sacrificed for the need of profit. Give them back their regular jobs. Restore the pride and dignity of labor.##

FOR REFERENCE:

Alan Licardo – President – 09225375689
Fritz Alzuelo – Vice President – 09225342986

Blogsite: digitelemployeesunion.wordpress.com/
Email: digitel.employees.union@gmail.com
Twitter: @DEUbraves or twitter.com/DEUbraves
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/DEUBraves
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/digitelemployeesunion/
Petition Site: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/405/755/620/digitel-employees-union-fights-for-its-labor-rights/

Statement

[Urgent Appeal] Harassment of Protesting Workers of a Telecommunications Company -TFDP

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Urgent Appeal
May 2, 2013

(PHILIPPINES) Harassment of Protesting Workers of a Telecommunications Company

ISSUES: Harassment and Intimidation; Unfair Labor Practice; Human Rights Defenders; Freedom of Expression and Right to Organize

Dear friends,

The Task Force Detainees of the Philippines (TFDP) is forwarding to you an appeal regarding the harassment and intimidation against leaders and members of the Digitel Employees Union currently on labor strike, and is seeking your help to anticipate possible violence that may occur due to their continuous protest actions.

If you wish to make any inquiries please contact the Research, Documentation and Information Program of TFDP at: 45 St. Mary Street, Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines 1109; or call: +632 4378054, or visit http://digitelemployeesunion.wordpress.com/, for further details.
______________________________________________________________

Case Title: Harassment of Digitel Workers
Case: Harassment
Name of Victim: Digitel Employees Union headed by Mr. Alan Licardo — President
Date of Incident: April 27, 2013
Place of Incident: at the grounds of Ramon Cojuangco building (PLDT), Makati City
Alleged Perpetrators: Makati Commercial Estate Association (MACEA) personnel led by Mr. Eduardo Balagot
Motive: Alleged Obstruction produced by the camp-out/protest actions of workers

Account of the Incident:

Digitel Workers are being harassed by personnel ofthe Makati Commercial Estate Association (MACEA), during their picket protest and camp-out outside the Ramon Cojuangco building located within Legaspi and Salcedo Village.

On April 27, 2013 at 10:00am, police officer Dexter Castor along with two other police inspected the area where the picket line is installed by the Digitel Employees Union (DEU) along Makati Avenue. During that time, there were several union members undergoing hunger strike to express their grievances to the management of Digitel Telecommunications Philippines Inc. Moments later, two police patrol cars parked near the camp-out area. Later on the police left the place.

At 10:05am, personnel from the Makati Public Safety Authority (MAPSA) went to the site apparently checking the peace and order situation in the area. Since the workers were conducting the protest peacefully and orderly, they left the scene.

After twenty minutes, personnel from the Infra security agency came and presented a written order from MACEA. The directive stated that workers must remove their installed streamers and posters, and must immediately vacate the place. The order was relayed and presented by Mr. Eduardo Balagot, officer-in-charge of the MACEA. With him were five security personnel namely: 1) Agapito J.Z.; 2) Avina R.R.; 3) Novaza J.G.; 4) Lambayong R.G.; and, 5) name unidentified.

The workers negotiated with the said persons from 10:50am to 11:20am. During their dialogue workers told them not to remove their campaign materials and asserted their right to freedom of expression and assembly.

At this point a heated argument took place. The supposed negotiation became confrontational. Mr. Balagot told the workers that ‘if you want this to be forceful, then we will.’ The MACEA personnel started to remove the streamers and placards while some police seemingly acted only as onlookers. To avoid violence, the workers conceded and chose not to fight back against the MACEA personnel.

According to the workers, this is not the only encounter where they were harassed and intimidated. On April 21, 2013, at 3:00am, around 100 security personnel of the building pushed them away from their camp to the sidewalk.

The workers are currently confronting the latest move of Digitel for its supposed ‘permanent closure’, but allowing integration with Philippine Long Distance Telephone company (PLDT). On January 21, 2013, the Supreme Court already issued its decision with finality, that it has affirmed the directives of the Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the National Labor Relations Commission as follows; 1) For Digitel to commence a collective bargaining with the DEU; 2) Reinstate affected workers with full back wages; 3)Pay each affected employees P10,000 moral damages and P5,000 exemplary damages for finding Digitel guilty of unfair labor practice such as: a) The closure of its affiliate Digiserve and replaced it with i-tech; b) dismissal of employees mostly union members and officers; and, c) in violation of the Assumption Jurisdiction order.

At present, Digitel Telecommunications Philippines Inc. made a manifestation before DOLE Secretary’s office that it will not negotiate as the court’s decision has already been superseded by supposed turn of events—closure and integration of operations to PLDT.

Suggested Action:

A. Call upon competent authorities to intervene, observe, uphold and carry out the earlier decision of the Supreme Court and DOLE in favor of the workers represented by the DEU;
B. Facilitate a dialogue between the Digitel management and the labor union to come up with an acceptable and justifiable resolution of the case;
C. To provide immediate protection of the DEU leaders and members against possible physical and emotional harm;
D. Guarantee the means for the victims to express and act freely in conformity with the bill of rights and freedoms stated in the Philippine Constitution;
E. Guarantee the respect of human rights and the fundamental freedoms in accordance with international human rights standards.

Please send your letters to:

1. His Excellency Benigno Simeon Aquino III
President
Republic of the Philippines
Malacanang Palace
JP Laurel Street, San Miguel
Manila 1005
Philippines
Fax: +63 2 736 1010
Tel: +63 2 735 6201 / 564 1451 to 80
Email: corres@op.gov.ph /opnet@ops.gov.ph

2. Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
Building, Muralla Wing cor. General Luna St., Intramuros,
City of Manila, 1002
Philippines
Tel No: 527-3000 loc. 701, 703, 704, 706, 707
Fax No: 336-8182
Email: secrdb@dole.gov.ph

3. Chairperson Loretta Ann P. Rosales
Commission on Human Rights (CHR)
SAAC Bldg., Commonwealth Avenue
U.P. Complex, Diliman
Quezon City
Philippines
Tel: +63 2 928 5655, +63 2 926 6188
Fax: +63 2929 0102
Email: rosales.chr@gmail.com

4. Police Director General Alan LA Madrid Purisima
Chief, Philippine National Police
Camp General Rafael Crame
Quezon City, Philippines
Fax: +63 2 724 8763/ +63 2 723 0401
Tel: + 63 2 726 4361/4366/8763
Email: feedback@pnp.gov.ph

5. Mr. David Balangue
President, Makati Commercial Estate Association (MACEA)
Legaspi Tower 100
Makati City
Philippines
Tel: 8103395

6. Bureau for Workers’ Activities
International Labor Organization (ILO)
Tel: +41 22 799 70 21
Fax: +41 22 799 65 70
Website: http://www.ilo.org/actrav
Email: actrav@ilo.org

Urgent Appeals

[Update/Campaign] Makati Commercial Estate Association Pinababaklas ang DEU Piketlayn -DEU

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines One comment

Makati Commercial Estate Association Pinababaklas ang DEU Piketlayn

Photo by DEU

Makati— Tuloy-tuloy ang harassment sa mapayapang picketlayn ng mga Digitel Employees Union (DEU) sa PLDT Main Office sa Makati, kung dati mula sa mga security guards ng kumpanya, ngayon nama’y mula sa MAPSA at Makati Commercial Estate Association (MACEA).

Bandang alas-diyes y medya ng umaga ng April 27, dumating si Major Castor kasama ang 2 eskort na pulis ay inispeksyon ang piketlayn ng mga manggagawa ng DEU, kung saan ilan sa kanila ay nagsasagawa ng hunger strike. May pumaradang isang police mobile sa dulo ng piketlayn, at isa pang police mobile ay pumarada naman sa kalsadang katapat ng picketline.

Alas diyes singko ng umaga, dumating ang MAPSA at hinanap ang mga DEU officers, pagkaraan ng ilang minuto ay sila rin ay umalis.

Pagkaraan ng 20 minuto, dumating sa piketlayn ang Infra Security na may dalang order mula sa MACEA Ayala kung saan pinatatanggal ang mga streamers at placards sa mga perimeter railings, sa kadahilang ito’y “ private property “. Kasama din nila si Eduardo Balagot, tumatayong OIC ng naturang asosasyon at limang security personnel: Agapito J. Z, Avina R.R., Novaza, J.G., Lambayong R. G. at isa pang hindi nakikilalang guard.

Mula 10:50 n.u. – 11:20 n.u. ay nakipag-negasyon ang naturang mga manggagawa na huwag nang tanggalin ang mga naturang placards at streamers na nuo’y nakasabit sa naturang lugar.

Ayon sa mga saksi, bago baklasin ang mga streamer at placards naringgan si Balagot na animo’y nagbabanta ng sabihin nitong “Gusto ngo pa pwersahan ha?”

Nagsilibi namang mga “look-out” ang mga pulis na kasama nila na nakapwesto sa magkabilang dulo ng Piketlayn habang isinasagawa ang pagbabaklas. Ang MACEA ang nakakasakop sa mga “perimeter grills” o bakod ng sidewalk sa paikot ng Legaspi at Salcedo Village.

Ang nakakapagtaka nito, sinabihan ang mga manggagawa ng DIGITEL na iyon daw ay “private property” kaya bawal paglagyan ng mga panawagan at kung gusto nila na mabasa ang mga ito ay hawakan na lamang.

Hindi ito ang unang beses na hinarass ang mga manggagawang nanawagan na ipatupad ng PLDT-DEU ang naayon sa desisyon na korte suprema na harapin sila sa negasyon at humakbang upang tiyakin ang kanilang seguridad sa trabaho. Matatandaang nuong Abril 21, alas tres ng umaga ay itinaboy ng mahigit na isandaang gwardiya ng PLDT ang mga empleyado ng Digitel mula sa harapan ng gusali nito patungo sa naturang sidewalk.

Photo by DEU

DIGITEL EMPLOYEES UNION [DEU]
NEWS ALERT
April 27, 2013

[Statement] PLDT/DIGITEL Management… Untouchable? -DEU

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

PLDT/DIGITEL Management… Untouchable?

After continuously defying and snubbing the Supreme Court’s decision (G.R.No. 184903-04, January 21, 2013) and Department of Labor and Employment’s order (Writ of Execution, March 19, 2013) to commence Collective Bargaining Agreement and Back to Work in favor of Digitel Employees Union (DEU), the PLDT/DIGITEL Management filed a case versus DEU, last April 16, for illegal occupancy and trespassing, summons were served the following day, and last Friday, the 19th, a hearing was set at Makati RTC branch 65.

But before any decision or order was issued by Makati Court 65, the management has decided on its own to take action against the DEU’s Picket and Hunger Strike area according to Ramon Alphonsus Morato, Asset Protection Specialist of PLDT.

April 21, Sunday, at around 3AM, more than a hundred (100+) security guards, fully-armed with shields and truncheons, coming from the left side and right side of the RC building, while making a noise by thumping and pounding their shields, ran and rushed toward the DEU Protest Center cordoning the area.

The DIGITEL employees, including the three (3) hunger strikers, namely: Alan Licardo, Arly Montecastro and Jesse Furaque, were driven out of the area toward the streets of Ayala. Morato, who headed the dispersal team, gave the DEU members two (2) minutes to call anyone who could help them regarding the demolition and after which he ordered his security guards to dismantle and demolish the make-shift tent of the hunger strikers. Behind the shoulder-to-shoulder formation of the dispersal team, banners and flags were brought down, some tarpaulins and placards were torn, some belongings of the picketers were scattered, and a perimeter fence was put up in front of the PLDT office occupying part of the sidewalk.

Is the PLDT/DIGITEL management has its OWN LAW outside of the Philippines’ Law? The peaceful protest staged by the DEU started April 10 and the hunger strikes started April 16, it has been two weeks now and counting, but still the management keeps on defying the SC decision and DOLE order. And add to that the case they filed versus DEU at Makati RTC, why did they acted on their own ahead of Makati Court branch 65’s decision came out?

What makes them untouchable? Where is the proper enforcement and implementation of the decisions and orders of our Government Offices?

Respect the law; don’t make a mockery of our law. Or else, SHAME ON YOU!!!

REFERENCES: Allan Licardo – Union President – 09225375689
Fritz Alzuelo – Union Vice President – 09228958758
Picket Direct Landline – 345 5991

PRESS STATEMENT
April 24, 2013

Press Release

[Press Release] Stand firm, repel the workers bully!!! -DEU

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines One comment

Stand firm, repel the workers bully!!!

Behold, in front of you are the gallant men and women of Digitel Employees Union (DEU). In its fight against PLDT’s Corporate GREED. Their scheme of Closure via REDUNDANCY is a clear union busting and to promote CONTRACTUALIZATION. They are pushing their scheme even if it’s against the LAW.

Last March 15, 2013, more than four hundred (400) regular employees of DIGITEL have been terminated via the Redundancy Program of PLDT/DIGITEL Management. Almost 80% regular employees availed the program where they are paid 190% of their number of years in service. Almost all of these redundant employees were offered jobs as contractual under SERVEFLEX and PEOPLESERVE, with the same salary, same position, same job description and same work location. HOW CAN THIS BE REDUNDANCY?!!! A clear violation and act of Illegal Dismissal.

For nine (9) years of DEU struggles, we abide by all the rules of LAW. DEU WON ALL THE LEGAL BATTLES!!!
Major CASES PLDT/DIGITEL DEU
NCMB-NCR-NS-11-307-04 (National Conciliation & Mediation Board) LOST WON
NCMB-NCR-05-09605 LOST WON
NLRC-NCR-CC #000302-05(Nat’l Labor Relations Comm.) LOST WON
GRSP # 91719/94825 ( Court of Appeals) LOST WON
GR # 184903-04 (Supreme Court-With Finality 01/21/13) LOST WON
WRIT OF EXECUTION ( DOLE – March 19, 2013 ) LOST WON

With all these LEGAL matters in place, why is it that JUSTICE is still not enforced? Why is it that JUSTICE is still out of reach? IS PLDT/DIGITEL ABOVE THE LAW? Why is it that this company continue to defy all the Decisions of the Philippines’ Government Offices?

Last March 22, 2013 a manifestation was issued by PLDT/DIGITEL Management in answer to the WRIT OF EXECUTION issued by DOLE, stating that DIGITEL is no longer in a position to commence Collective Bargaining Negotiations with the DEU because the Company has been integrated with PLDT and all of its employees have already been terminated via Redundancy Program.

Last April 10, 2013 because of continuous defiance of PLDT/DIGITEL Management to the Rule of LAW, DEU started a Peaceful Protest Rally in front of PLDT Main Office at RC Building, Ayala, Makati, and a HUNGER STRIKE followed last April 16 until now. But our presence caused them “IRRITATION” and “SHAME”. They even covered the Picket Line with a shuttle bus and tall security guards and desperately made a move to drive us out of PLDT premises.

Last April 16, 2013 a case was filed at Makati RTC by PLDT/DIGITEL Management to DEU for allegedly violated Illegal Occupancy and Trespassing at the property of PLDT in a premise that PLDT and DIGITEL is a separate entity a clear conflict to what they said earlier that PLDT-DIGITEL has been integrated.

Last April 19, 2013 at 3:00 AM the PLDT Management with the help of more than 100 PLDT Security guards dismantled our Protest Center and acting by itself without the Order and result of the Makati RTC decision. A CLEAR DISRESPECT OF THE LAW!!! Where are we going to seek JUSTICE if these Powerful and Rich Company does not abide by our Laws? Let’s bring HOPE to our Society, for the sake of our children’s career and future. Join the fight, join the cause!!!

Press Release
April 24, 2013
References: Allan Licardo – DEU President (09223756892)
Fritz Marie Alzuelo – DEU Vice President (09225375689)
Picket Direct Landline – 345 5991

[Statement] DEU Officers and Members soon to jail…to silence them and hide the truth!

Posted on April 20, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

DEU Officers and Members soon to jail…to silence them and hide the truth!

Some officers and members of the Digitel Employees Union (DEU) received summons from Makati RTC wherein they were each filed cases of illegal occupancy or trespassing. The said subpoenas were sent to their respective homes and received by their families.

Is this another wicked scheme by the PLDT/DIGITEL Management to cover up and hide something? Just like covering the DEU Protest Center with tall security guards and a big bus? This kind of attack to the members of DEU just goes to show the management’s disrespect of every worker’s rights, disrespect of human rights and disrespect of the Philippine Law. How could someone seek justice, when that someone doesn’t respect justice?

Is the management above the law? The Supreme Court Decision WITH FINALITY (G.R.No.184903-04, January 21, 2013) and the Department of Labor and Employment Order BE ENFORCED (Writ of Execution, March 20, 2013), stated therein to commence Collective Bargaining Agreement and Back to Work in favor of DEU.

In support of the DEU’s protest that started last April 10 and hunger strike that started last April 16, Mama Au, mother of a DEU member said,” I salute you, principled and brave men! I am sure that a thousand fold families of labor unions and workers are praying for your success in your great battle.”

Families of each DEU member are updated of what has been happening at the picket line and they fully support their love ones. They know the TRUTH and they understand what the DEU is fighting for is RIGHT.

God bless the righteous!J

Member of Manggagawa para sa Kalayaan ng Bayan (MAKABAYAN)
22-A Domingo Guevara Street, Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City
Telefax: (632) 717 3262 Blogsite: http://digitelemployeesunion.wordpress.com

DIGITEL EMPLOYEES UNION [DEU]
PRESS STATEMENT
April 17, 2013
REFERENCES: Allan Licardo – Union President – 09225375689
Fritz Alzuelo – Union Vice President – 09228958758
Picket Direct Landline – 345 5991

Statement

[Statement] Pahayag ng Digitel Employees Union (DEU)

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Pahayag ng Digitel Employees Union (DEU)

Ayaw namin sa ERP-Rehire, lalong AYAW namin sa SARA-Tanggal!
Integrate and ABSORB Digitel employees – YES!
… at pasimulan ang CBA nego – Ito ang aming GUSTO! Now na!!

Pebrero 2013, wala pang isang taon matapos mabili ng PLDT ang Digitel, ini anunsyo ng PLDT ang pagsasara ng Digitel upang isanib ang operasyon nito sa PLDT! Ang mga empleyado ng Digitel ay pinag a avail ng Voluntary Retirement Program (VRP) Early Retirement Program (ERP) bilang kondisyon para mabayaran ng 190-250% separation pay at may prayoridad daw na ma “re-hire”. Ang di mag a avail ay i- re redundant at ang bayad sa separation pay na ayon na lang sa isinasaad ng batas.

Pagsasara at pagtatanggal upang palitan ang mga regular na manggagawa ng kontraktwal, mula sa dating tuwirang empleyado ay itatalaga at o mula sa outsourcing o manpower agencies. Labag ito sa karapatan ng mga manggagawa na ginagarantiyahan ng batas . Labag din ito sa DESISYON/ RESOLUSYON ng Korte Suprema . Salungat din ito maging sa batas ng korporasyon , na nagsasabing mananagutan sa mga empleyado ng biniling kumpanya ang bumiling kompanya.

Trabaho hindi bayad o mag VRP/ERP. Bakit ba kailangan pang mag VRP/ERP bago i re-hire ng PLDT? Bakit tatanggalin ang mga manggagawang gusto pang manatili sa trabaho para palitan ng mga (dating) manggagagawa ng outsourcing company.

Mga kaganapan bago ang pagbili ng PLDT sa Digitel.

Bago ang pagbili ng PLDT sa Digitel – sunod sunod ang pagkatalo ng Digitel manedsment sa mga kasong isinampa ng Digitel Employees Union (DEU) sa DOLE, NLRC, Court of Appeal hanggang Supreme Court. Sa ganitong kondisyon umentra ang PLDT para “bilihin” ang Digitel kapalit ng 12% shareholding sa PLDT Holding pabor sa DJ Summit Holdings na siya ring may-ari ng Digitel na pag-aari din ni John Gokongwei.

Matapos ang “bilihan” / shareholdings swapping, hindi nagpatumpik tumpik ang PLDT – ipinagpatuloy nito ang Voluntary Resignation Program (VRP) /Early Retirement Program (ERP) na napasimulan na ng Digitel. Nauna dito ang serye ng Mass Lay off – una ay noong Marso 2005, sinundan noong taong 2007, 2008 upang makaiwas daw sa pagkalugi. Mass Lay off naman noong 2010, dahil umano sa restructuring program ng Digitel. Hanggang maganap ang “bentahan” noong taong 2011, ang kakatwa walang taon sa panahong nagtanggal na nalugi ang Digitel. Samantala matapos “ibenta” / sharewap ay nakakuha ng P1Billion na dibedendo sa PLDT si Gokongwei na may ari ng Digitel noong huling kwarto ng taong 2012 na di pa nangyari sa kasaysayan ng Digitel.

Oktubre 8, 2012, sa wakas bumaba na ang DESISYON ng Supreme Court – inayunan nito ang mga naunang DESISYON ng DOLE Secretary, NLRC at Court of Appeal na nagsasabing;

1. For Digitel to Commence CBA negotiation with the union. The pendency of a petition for cancellation of union registration does not preclude collective bargaining.
2. Affected workers be reinstated and with full pay full back wages for –
Digiserv is a labor-only contractor and or just one department of Digitel thus; affected workers due to its closure were illegally dismissed,
3. Pay each affected employees P10,000 moral damages and P5,000 exemplary damages for finding DIGITEL guilty of Unfair Labor Practice for – closure of Digiserve and replace it with I-tech andl dismissal of affected employees mostly union members and officers is illegal and done in bad faith; also violation of the Assumption Jurisdiction Order, .

Sa halip na ipatupad ang DESISYON – na makipagnegosasyon sa unyon at ibalik ang mga apektado/tinanggal na empleyado, tuwirang sinalungat ng Digitel/PLDT ang Kautusan ng Korte Suprema at Writ of Execution ng DOLE Secretary. Ikinatwiran ng Digitel/PLDT wala ng dahilan para makipagnegosasyon pa siya dahil wala ng manggagagawa ang DIGITEL.

Paninindigan ng mga manggagawa ng Digitel – una; i absorb ng PLDT ang mga empleyado ng Digitel at pasimulan na ang CBA negotiation. ikalawa; kung ini-integrate ang operayon ng Digitel sa PLDT, dapat I absorb ang mga empleyado, pangatlo; gusto pa nilang patuloy na magtrabaho at hindi sila nag avail ng ERP/Redundancy, pang-apat; hindi naman totoong nawala ang trabaho na ginagampanan ng mga tinatanggal bagkus pinalitan lamang sila ng kontraktwal.

Pagsusuri ng DEU; Voluntary o Early Retirement, Clossure at integration ng operation- maniobra at palusot para iwasan ang DESISYON ng Korte – kasi po kapag kusang nagresign o nag avail ng early retirement … tapos na ang kwento ng mga nagawang paglabag sa batas o pagyurak sa karapatan ng mga manggagawa (ULP). Ang closure integration naman ay iskema para lusawin ang Unyon at palitan ng kontraktwal ang mga regular na empleyado ng Digitel.

Ang pinakahuli ay ang lantarang pagsuway sa DESISYON at KAUTUSAN ng Korte Suprema at Writ of Execution na ipinag uutos ng Secretary of Labor.

Batid naming mabigat ang labang ito sa dalawang dambuhalang kompanya – DIGITEL at PLDT ! Kung kaya kami po ay umaapela sa kapwa namin kamanggagawa at sa mamamayan na kami ay inyong tulungan at samahan sa labang ito.

Retire/Resign – REHIRE, No Way!!!
Pagsasara at Digitel Integration of operation sa PLDT,
Pwede basta mga empleyado isama sa integration at ‘di redundancy!
Tama na ang mga palusot at maniobra !
DEU kilalanin na, CBA Negotiation simulan na, Now na !

Digitel Employees Union (DEU)
Manggagawa para sa Kalayaan ng Bayan (MAKABAYAN)

Statement

[Press Release] Support Snowball for Digitel Employees -DEU

Posted on April 11, 2013 by Human Rights Online Philippines Leave a comment

Support Snowball for Digitel Employees

Support snowball for beleaguered digital employees union (DEU), currently picketing the PLDT Main Office in Makati.

Labor organizations MAKABAYAN and Alliance of Progressive Labor (APL) troop to the DEU picket line that was set up early morning of April 9. Sixty (60) security guards and four (4) patrol cars of the Makati City Police were deployed to the area. There were reports yesterday that PLDT plans to break the picket line.

Workers demand that their labor dispute with PLDT, which has acquired DIGITEL last year, be immediately resolved.

According to DEU, closure and redundancy was PLDT’s answer to the union demand of collective bargaining and secure jobs.

DIGITEL closed last March 15.

Management has yet to talk to the picketing workers.

Yesterday, DEU received news that Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz has set a conference meeting on April 16 between the union and PLDT management.

“Wag sanang pagpasa-pasahan ng DOLE at PLDT kaming mga manggagawa.” said Fritz Alzuelo, DEU Vice President.

“Hindi kami aalis dito hanggang hindi ito nareresulosyunan.” ended Alzuelo.

———————————————–

DIGITEL Employees – shifted their protest to PLDT main Office at Makati from different business offices

As early as 5:30 in the morning today, members of Digitel Employees Union (DEU) coming from different provinces of Luzon met together and put up a protest center in front of PLDT Main Office at Makati Ave corner De la Rosa St, Makati City. They are protesting the “closure and integration of Digitel operation” as an outcome of 2011 “sale” – shareholding swapping between the two communication giants.

Closure has now become an obstacle in implementing the Supreme Court Order to negotiate with the union for their collective bargaining agreement. The closure also resulted to the dismissal and Redundancy of Digitel employees.

DEU has won every case (12 cases in all) in every step of the way against Digitel, which was formally owned by John Gokongwei, from the Office of The DOLE Secretary and National Labor Relation Commission (NLRC).

CLOSURE is a clear “IWAS PUSOY” maneuver by Digitel, the latest addition to PLDT group of companies, which was acquired by PLDT last 201.

Digitel allegedly “closed down” last March 15, 2013 but the truth is the operation continues, the Digitel operation now is manned by contractual employees mostly from former Digitel employees who avail Voluntary Resignation Program (VRP) and Early Retirement Program (ERP).

Last April 2, 2013 DEU pitched five Regional Offices of Digitel (Naga, Dagupan, Rizal, Bulacan and Pampanga).

Member of Manggagawa para sa Kalayaan ng Bayan (MAKABAYAN)
22-A Domingo Guevara Street, Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City
Telefax: (632) 717 3262 Blogsite: http://digitelemployeesunion.wordpress.com

DIGITEL EMPLOYEES UNION [DEU]
PRESS RELEASE
April 10, 2013
Reference: Fritz Alzuelo – Union Vice President, 09228958758
Allan Licardo – Union President, 09225375689
Picket Direct Landline – 345 5991