Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) has raised concerns over a growing trend of mass layoffs across the Philippines, highlighted by the recent dismissal of 3,200 workers at Franklin Baker Inc. in Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur.
The workers, removed on Oct. 3, received no explanation from management, according to KMU, intensifying concerns about job security nationwide.
“This ongoing trend of large-scale layoffs faced by workers is deeply concerning,” KMU said, pointing to recent layoffs across various industries, including 300 employees from Nexperia, 4,000 garment workers in the Mactan export processing zone, 800 employees at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, and 100 staff members from ABS-CBN.
The labor group criticized the Marcos administration’s policies for what they claim is a permissive stance that allows “capitalists to dismiss workers en masse without accountability.”
KMU also cited the lack of a job creation program and institutional support for displaced workers as indicative of the government’s disregard for labor rights.
It added, “Marcos continues to deceive the public by changing the definition of employment to peddle the false narrative that his government has created more jobs.”
Calling on Franklin Baker Inc. to respond to the workers’ concerns, KMU said the company “must promptly and genuinely address the grievances of their workers and clarify the true status of their employment.”
The group also urged the Department of Labor and Employment to mediate and provide legal and material assistance to the affected workers.
“We encourage all 3,200 laid-off Franklin Baker workers to unite and fight for their jobs and to demand accountability from the company. The Filipino workers stand with you in the struggle for job security,” the group said.
