Filipinos are exceptional laborers—they are hard-working, resilient, resourceful, and diligent. Simply put, they’re considered world-class. However, their wages in the country are not livable and do not equate to their skills. The minimum wage in the Philippines ranging from the lowest P316 and P645 would be the highest, depending on their location. Which means to say, an hour of work in the country is just worth around P40 to P81.
However, it took a group of employees in Laguna four days and three sleepless nights to earn the P50 they were asking for.
Who are they and why?
A post or two about a protest against Nexperia Philippines Inc. might have appeared on our social media timeline. But what is Nexperia? And why did a protest occur?
Nexperia is a global multibillion-dollar company that produces semiconductors used in digital devices and appliances. According to Nexperia Philippines Inc. Workers’ Union (NPIWU), Nexperia’s financial report reveals that their earnings go as much as P400 million daily in the Philippines alone. However, Nexperia’s daily income is far apart from its workers’ pay— which led them to ask for an increase.
The dispute
The conflict between Nexperia and its employees did not happen overnight.
In 2024, negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) began but were deadlocked in November. As a result, a notice of strike was filed by NPIWU on December 10.
Seven days later, a second notice of strike was released following the dismissal of four union officers of NPIWU namely Ann Castillo, Tonyo Fajardo, Girlie Battad, and Marvel Marquez. The strike was originally scheduled for December 21 but was moved to a later date due to lack of preparation.
On February 5 this year, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) secretary Bienvenido Laguesma assumed jurisdiction on the issue. The assumption of jurisdiction (AJ) granted Laguesma authority over the dispute and convened dialogues between the two parties on February 11, 18, and March 5, but no agreement has been made between the NPIWU and Nexperia Philippines Inc.
The strike
On March 5, a different method to achieve the workers’ desire was tried. While morning workers were clocking out of work and the afternoon shift workers were clocking in, a strike commenced. The strike calls for a salary increase and reinstatement of the dismissed workers. More than that, it echoes a demand for a just and liveable wage, and for the people in government to serve the laborers’ interest instead of the corporations’.
The path to get what they want is no easy road. They had to spend long days and nights outside the Light Industry and Science Park I (LISP I) in Cabuyao, Laguna without proper food, sleep, and assurance of getting what they were demanding. Police intimidation and the risk of unemployment were also used to frighten the protesters.
With everything that was posed against them, it did not make them falter with their fight. After four long days, the strike was finally lifted after the management agreed to a total of P57 wage increase in tranches within three years— P17 a day in 2024, P19 a day in 2025, and P21 a day in 2026. The reinstatement of then-terminated NPIWU President Ann Castillo and member Girlie Battad was also included in the agreement.
The end?
However, their fight is still far from over. NPIWU vice president Tonyo Fajardo, member Marvel Marquez, and more illegally terminated workers are still yet to be reinstated from work. While Nexperia laborers rejoice from the success they have accomplished from the strike, they also acknowledge that their struggle for a just income and work rights is still not done.
What transpired between Nexperia Philippines and its workers is just one of the many labor violations in the Philippines. Unlike Nexperia Philippines Inc. Workers’ Union who somehow had their demands met, many Filipino laborers still endure unfair labor practices from their employers. But there is hope in resistance—many policies and benefits that we reap today stem from refusing to accept oppression.
While Filipinos are known to be resilient, we are never deserving of crumbs. We are people of our rights. We must stand in solidarity and shout our plea together until our voices are heard.
Article: Ysabella Franchesca Paches
Graphics: Kent Bicol
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