On Thursday, October 25, The Initiative PH launched #ProjectPP: a donation drive for the bereaved workers of Pacific Plaza Condominium. These workers, deprived of their basic rights, went on a hunger strike to protest both Pacific Plaza Management and their contractor, Polystar General.
In light of this, TIPH presents this #ProjectPP infograph to help recount the events that led to the strike initiated by Pacific Plaza Condominium’s employees.
As mentioned in the previous article, the problem started on July 6, 2018, when 17 employees of the said condominium’s contractor Polystar General Services were told that they were to be terminated on the same day. On top of this, the condominium’s management violated several provisions of the Labor Code of the Philippines, including the non-remittance of the employees’ SSS, PAG-IBIG, and PhilHealth contributions. These are continuously deducted from their salaries but the employees do not reap the benefits. In addition, the employees are not given proper equipment for their jobs. Only the basic tools are given by the management.
The workers also raised this concern to DOLE and in response, a representative was sent to the condominium for inspection. However, the said representative was blocked by Pacific Plaza from inspecting the workplace. Furthermore, DOLE has been seeking a resolution that will satisfy both parties but there is still no progress.
To add to the inhumane treatment of the workers, Gemma Gemayel, president of the board has said, “Hayaan mo silang magutom,” (Let the workers starve) when asked to comment about their strike.
Since its beginning on October 5, regular in-house employees of Pacific Plaza are being terminated for joining the strike. The strike formally ended on October 20 but the workers’ fight continues.
TIPH is encouraging everyone to join the employees of Pacific Plaza’s fight for their rights as laborers. #ProjectPP is still ongoing and TIPH accepts both in-kind and monetary donations. Visit our social media accounts for more details.
Together, let us end the injustice against the workforce of the country.
Take Initiative today!
Written by: Carmela Javier Infograph edited by: Kino Napolis
The Initiative PH 