Honda should do more for workers in Laguna plant: labor group

February 23, 2020

A separation pay package shouldn't be the end of the story for nearly 400 Filipino workers set to become jobless next month as Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) plant in Santa Rosa City, Laguna, closes. 

"It is not enough for the Japanese-owned company to just generously compensate their affected workers and giving them packages beyond what is stipulated in their collective bargaining agreement," said Defend Jobs Philippines spokesman Thadeus Ifurung in a statement. 

"Job security for affected Honda workers must be the top priority in investigating and resolving the closure and not just the issue of monetary claims," he added. 

HCPI announced on Feb. 22 that it was closing its production plant in Laguna.

Honda said the closure is due to their "optimization efforts in the production operations in Asia and Oceania region". 

Ifurung said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) should immediately investigate the basis of the closure of HCPI.  

He said DOLE must not leave this at the hands of the Department of Trade and Industry as it will only decide on the justness of the firm's closure. 

"DOLE must directly intervene, conduct impartial investigation, and thoroughly look into the reported closure of HCPI," he said. DMS