Dear comrades, allies, and friends in the labor movement,
We are glad to update and report to you that the negotiations between Metrowear Two management and the Union (OMEGA – PIGLAS) have achieved key gains in our new agreement, including:
- Our five (5) terminated union leaders were reinstated effective June 23, 2025, with full back wages from the date of their termination.
- The current disciplinary scheme, especially the 35-point demerit system, will undergo review with the aim of crafting a new disciplinary policy in consultation with the Union.
- The Company commits to fully respect employees’ freedom of association and will make sure that this is clearly conveyed to all its employees.
- As a concrete step in this commitment, a labor education seminar on unionism will be conducted and attended by all rank-and-file employees of the company. Management and the Union will coordinate on the attendance, date, time, and venue of the seminar. Furthermore, DOLE and the Union will lead the conduct of this labor education.
- Management and the Union will work to conclude the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) on or before July 30, 2025. Additionally, amendments to the ground rules of the negotiations will be made with the aim of accelerating the process. Both parties agree to negotiate in good faith throughout the CBA talks.
- The Company has assured its commitment not to close the factory and will exert its best efforts to scout new orders to shorten the forced leave period and ensure the continued operation of Metrowear Two. The Company also commits to balancing orders between the two Metrowear factories.
- Regarding the temporary forced leave, the Company will provide the following subsidy packages or assistance to all affected employees:
a) P125.00 per day financial support starting from the 8th day of forced leave until they are recalled to work;
b) Full payment of social benefit premium contributions and health insurance for the entire duration of the forced leave, shouldered by the Company;
c) 25 kilos of rice (one-time release on the last working day);
d) An advance on the 13th-month pay amounting to Php 6,000.00, to be given on the last working day;
e) The remaining balance of the 13th-month pay for the year shall be based on gross income, including daily financial assistance (i.e., gross salary + P125.00 daily allowance).
This is a substantial win for us, and we want to extend our deepest gratitude for your steadfast support during our recent labor dispute with Metrowear Two. Your solidarity played a vital role in helping us reach this resolution.
This victory is not just for our members—it’s a testament to what’s possible when workers and communities unite against injustice. We couldn’t have done it without your support, and we are proud to have stood shoulder to shoulder with you.
However, the fight is not yet over. We still need to push for the reinstatement of Alan Esponga, the union president of another Sport City factory—Globalwear Inc. For OMEGA – PIGLAS, the next major challenge is negotiating a strong CBA this July.
At this stage, we are pausing all further actions. We remain watchful but hopeful that ongoing efforts will lead to fair and constructive engagement.
As we move forward, we remain committed to strengthening our movement and fighting for better conditions for all workers. We’ll continue to share updates and look forward to supporting your efforts as well.
With solidarity and thanks,
Dennis S. Derige
Visayas Coordinator
SENTRO CEBU
Labour News Network 