By Sonny Melencio
MANILA — Workers at Telefunken Microelectronics Philippines (Temic) started to stage their own version of "people power" during the four-day anniversary of the EDSA revolution from February 22. The EDSA revolution is the popular term for the military rebellion and people's uprising that led to the downfall of the Marcos dictatorship in 1986.
Temic workers have named their 17-month struggle for reinstatement "labor power". The Department of Labor has issued five orders to reinstate the more than 1500 unionists sacked by Telefunken, but the German multinational has defied the rulings.
Some 10,000 workers from 200 companies in Metro Manila took part in day one of "labor power" at Temic on February 22. Workers' delegations from different companies started to swell the ranks of the Temic workers, who were encamped in front of the plant in Taguig.
The atmosphere was festive. Some unions came in droves and held short marches around the plant. They were greeted by boisterous cheers and fireworks. Small bands playing ati-atihan (native music) continuously beat their drums.
The entire avenue leading to the Temic plant was festooned with colourful streamers proclaiming "Labor Power". Unionists from other companies set up their own tents alongside the gates surrounding the plant. A makeshift stage in the street displayed a large mural declaring, "People power yesterday, labor power today".
The tricycles (motorbikes with sidecars) plying the area were also festooned with banners proclaiming, "We support the struggle of the Temic workers". All the tricycle drivers' associations in the area have given support. Associations of jeepney drivers and operators and market vendors also attended.
The entire facade of the Temic plant was shielded by iron sheets. Hordes of security guards patrolled the compound while helmeted police in black uniforms roamed the building's rooftop.
Tension filled the air as Liza Dimaano, president of the Temic union, took to the stage. Dimaano was encircled by workers while police positioned themselves on the rooftop. "Snipers", shouted some workers.
The program lasted till 3pm the next day. Union leaders from various factories and industries took turns in lambasting the German multinational's refusal to reinstate the workers and the government's inaction despite the court ruling. Leaders from community organisations in urban poor areas also expressed support.
Various groups represented by Sanlakas, a broad-based people's organisation, led the opposition to the foreign multinational.
The film industry union also sent its support: three actors expressed their willingness to help the workers open the gates of the multinational corporation. A film documenting the struggle of the Temic workers was also shown.
Support for the struggle has been increasing. The village leaders (barangay captains) of nearby communities pledged to mobilise local organisations in support of the workers. Donations of sacks of rice, bread and noodles continue to arrive.
Telefunken has also stepped up the pressure. Police have asked the Temic workers to dismantle the stage structure and to disperse the crowd, saying that nearby communities have complained about the noise.
The daily papers have carried full-page ads, by Telefunken management, which distort the issues and hint that the company may transfer out of the Philippines if workers continue to "smear the company's good image".