The GoodElectronics Network sent out two letters to Dutch-based NXP Semiconductors expressing its concern and outrage about the situation at NXP plants in Thailand and the Philippines. Both situations are characterized by labour conflict and union harassment. Furthermore, in Thailand, the right to decent work is not respected, causing dangerous situations for workers’ health. GoodElectronics demands respect for the workers and their right to freedom of association, and calls for constructive dialogue. The letters were co-signed by Dutch trade union confederation FNV Bondgenoten.
The GoodElectronics Network sent out two letters to Dutch-based NXP Semiconductors expressing its concern and outrage about the situation at NXP plants in Thailand and the Philippines. Both situations are characterized by labour conflict and union harassment. Furthermore, in Thailand, the right to decent work is not respected, causing dangerous situations for workers’ health. GoodElectronics demands respect for the workers and their right to freedom of association, and calls for constructive dialogue. The letters were co-signed by Dutch trade union confederation FNV Bondgenoten.
The GoodElectronics Network has been following the situation in Thailand for over a year, and is informed by Thai labour movement sources that workers’ health and safety are endangered. Second, evidence that union representatives are being deliberately pressured by the NXP management is mounting. For example, union leaders have been isolated from the union members as they are required to work under heavy surveillance in a room previously used for storing chemicals. Reportedly, the union is unjustifiable pressured to withdraw their complaints.
In the Philippines, 24 union officials at NXP Semiconductors Cabuyao were dismissed for refusing to work on national holidays, despite a longstanding agreement that all union members are off from work and are able to participate in Labor Day activities (May 1). According to Reden Alcantara, union president of the NXP Semiconductors Company Workers Union (NXPSCIWU), the move is meant to weaken the bargaining power of the union, which is currently in the process of negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement package. GoodElectronics calls for an immediate reinstatement of the 24 dismissed union officers.
Other calls
GoodElectronics as well as GoodElectronics Thailand (GET) have informed NXP Thailand earlier about these concerns via e-mail messages and letters throughout 2012 and 2013. These were unsatisfactorily answered. This week, Global Union IndustriALL has also written a letter to NXP addressing the situation in the Philippines. Moreover, IndustriALL started an online petition together with LabourStart to stop the union busting.
To read the full letters and all of GE’s concerns & demands, see attached.
