MANILA, OCTOBER 24, 2012 – Coca-Cola workers have blasted the company for spending millions for advertising, but neglecting to provide just compensation.
The workers are represented by the Alliance of Coca-Cola Unions in the Philippines, and they are worried that the employees’ security of tenure is seriously threatened by the systematic replacement of regular jobs with temporary or contractual jobs.
ACCUP president Fred Marañon said that apart from promoting early-retirement program, the company is aggressively outsourcing many of its regular jobs.
He said Coca-Cola imposed a program called P3 – Performance, Participation and Presence – subjecting employees to a performance review every two months and those who fail to meet standards set by management for three consecutive period reviews may be summarily dismissed or terminated.
As part of its centennial celebration, Coca-Cola created a television commercial that tells the story of a 100-year-old Filipino man who takes a trip to see his newborn great granddaughter. Earlier this year, a billboard made from Coca-Cola crowns ("tansan") bearing the brand’s insignia was also unveiled in North EDSA, Highway Seno in Cebu and Ulas Highway in Davao.
Coca-Cola Philippines was put up for sale by the parent company, and it has been reported that Coca-Cola Femsa from Mexico is looking at the possibility of a buyout.
“Every time you open a bottle of Coca-Cola, please remind the company to respect workers’ rights. Contrary to the bright and dazzling future portrayed by multimillion-dollar Coke advertisements, we workers are now confronted by a bleak future—a future of punishments and penalties, without negotiated wages, without job security,” Marañon said.
“In other words, Coca-Cola’s P3 program is missing an important ‘P’—the welfare of its own people.”
Coca-Cola Philippines is yet to release an official statement.
