"DOLE condemns violent dispersal of NutriAsia workers," 17 June 2018

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) condemned the violent dispersal of NutriAsia workers who went on strike in Marilao, Bulacan.

NutriAsia is the manufacturer of popular condiments such as Datu Puti vinegar, Mang Tomas sauce, and UFC ketchup.

...Labor Undersecretary Joel Maglunsod said the local police and the court must uphold the resolution mandating that all labor disputes should be under DOLE.

A regional trial court in Bulacan had issued two temporary restraining orders (TROs) against the strike earlier in June. Police then dispersed workers assembled outside the factory last Thursday, June 14, for violating the TRO.

Maglunsod said the workers went through the right process, and were merely exercising their right to hold a strike.

He said DOLE will be writing to the court and the police, reminding them to uphold the resolution that gives the department jurisdiction over labor disputes.

...NutriAsia workers sustained injuries from the violent dispersal. Seventeen were detained and were asked to pay bail of P15,000 each.

Union president Jassia Gerola slammed the detention of the workers, saying that they were peacefully camping in their picket line when the police started to disperse them. 

The police downplayed the incident, saying it was merely a "confrontation." They also blamed urban poor group Kadamay for allegedly instigating the violence.

...DOLE had ordered NutriAsia to place over 900 workers in permanent positions.