A whole lot of people love to heap praise on the way the Japanese auto companies do business. Unfortunately, the mainstream press rarely looks at the seamier side of what happens to workers for Toyota. Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation, is continuing to deny reinstatement to 136 illegally dismissed workers–even though the Supreme Court of the Philippines and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) have ruled in the workers’ favor.

    The quick background is provided by the International Metalworkers Federation, which has taken on the case:

In March 2001, Toyota Philippines fired 227 union officers and members and suspended 64 others for taking part in a peaceful union assembly. The workers were demonstrating in front of the Department of Labour and Employment to protest the company’s refusal to collectively bargain with the union, the Toyota Motor Philippine Corporation Workers Association (TMPCWA). Of the original group illegally fired, 136 still seek reinstatement.

    In September 2003, the Supreme Court of the Philippines ordered Toyota management to begin collective bargaining. Two months later the International Labour Organisation (ILO) called on Toyota management to reinstate the workers and bargain in good faith with the TMPCWA. Despite both of these rulings Toyota Philippines has not recognised the union, reinstated the workers or negotiated a collective bargaining agreement.

    You can actually go directly to the union’s website to learn more.