IMF affiliates plan mass mobilizations for September 12
Japanese embassies prepare for demonstrations and protests calling for a resolution to the situation at Toyota Philippines Motor Corporation.
GLOBAL: Workers from Australia to India to the Ukraine are taking action on behalf of Toyota Philippines workers who have been wrongly fired, arrested and denied union recognition. IMF affiliates are coordinating a DAY of ACTION on September 12 in front of Japanese embassies around the world to call on the Japanese government to use its influence in bringing a fair resolution to a situation that has grown worse. Just weeks ago, government security shot at and arrested 21 Toyota Philippines workers during a peaceful demonstration in front of the Department of Labour and Employment. All 21 were released the following day however many suffered serious injuries from the police violence. The workers have been struggling for the reinstatement of 136 illegally dismissed workers and company recognition of their union, the Toyota Philippines Motor Corporation Workers Association (TMPCWA). The International Metalworkers’ Federation and its affiliates have launched an international campaign calling for the immediate reinstatement of the workers and respect for their fundamental right to form a union and to bargain collectively. Preparations for the September 12 DAY of ACTION include:
- In Australia, the AMWU has added the Toyota Philippines campaign to their website and have designed a leaflet to compliment their September 12 mobilization efforts at Japanese embassies.
- Belgian affiliates have launched a petition on the web and at Toyota plants. They will demonstrate at the Japanese embassy on September 12, and deliver the petition. They will then join a demonstration in front of the European Commission where Philippines president, Gloria Arroyo, is visiting. The action in front of the EU has been organised by a network of NGO’s called, 'Stop the Killings', who are very supportive of the REINSTATE THEM NOW campaign.
- The CFTC will be mobilizing their members on September 12 at Toyota France. They have sent a letter calling for resolution to the Japanese Ambassador in France.
- Kenyan Metalworkers have also sent a letter of international solidarity to the Japanese embassy in Nairobi.
- The IMF-SC plans to deliver a petition to the Japanese embassy on September 12.
- Seven Ukraine affiliates coordinated a collective effort and signed on to a protest letter on behalf of TMPCWA workers and sent it to the Japanese ambassador.
- Indian affiliates have coordinated mass demonstrations planned at Japanese embassies throughout the country on September 12. For instance, INMF in New Delhi, SMEFI in Mumbai, TNEEU (an affiliate of the INMF) and the Working People Trade Union Council will hold an action in Chennai. Also, delegates representing workers from across India's automobile industry unanimously adopted a Joint Resolution Calling for the Reinstatement of Illegally and Unjustly Dismissed and Suspended Workers and for Full Respect of Trade Union Rights, citing the Toyota Philippines case in particular.
- In Sri Lanka, IMF affiliates SLNSS and JSSMF will demonstrate on the grounds of the Japanese embassy on September 12 in Colombo.
- IMF affiliates BMF and the BML in Bangladesh will mobilize in Dhaka at the Japanese embassy on September 12.
- Nordic IN sent letters of protest to the Philippines' Department of Labour and Employment and Toyota management.
- IMF affiliates from the South-East Europe representing metalworkers from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia have signed a collective petition both in English and Serbian, which will be handed over to the Japanese Embassy on September 12 by IMF affiliate in Serbia (Nezavisnost).
- In South Africa, over 400 NUMSA members will protest in front of the Japanese embassy on September 12 calling for a resolution to the situation facing 136 unjustly fired TMPCWA workers.
- IMF French affiliate, CGT, sent a strongly worded letter to the Philippine ambassador asking him to use his influence in bringing a just and fair outcome for the TMPCWA members illegally fired.
- Affiliates from Latin America and the Caribbean are sending letters of solidarity to their respective embassies on September 12.
- IMF affiliate, the Shipbuilding Workers’ Union of Russia have sent a protest letter to the Japanese ambassador.
- Korean affiliate, the KMWF, will send a letter of protest on September 12 to the Japanese ambassador in Korea.