The closure of DHL Supply Chain's Sucat warehouse in Muntinlupa on August 31 affected 473 workers who were placed under a redundancy program following the reported loss of a major customer contract.
The development came less than three months after the DHL United Workers Union (DUWU) was certified on May 29 as the workers' sole and exclusive bargaining representative, raising concerns over the company's labor practices and the employees' right to organize.
Contract loss or alleged union-busting?
During their first conciliation conference before the National Conciliation and Mediation Board on July 21, DHL management informed workers that their positions would be affected by the planned closure, with redundancy taking effect on August 31.
DHL said its customer had awarded the contract to a competitor and notified the company that the arrangement would end on August 31. Since the warehouse operated on a customer-owned property, DHL said it had to cease operations and vacate the premises.
In its September 28 response published by the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre, DHL maintained that the redundancies resulted solely from the contract loss and had nothing to do with union activities. It also said affected employees received severance packages compliant with Philippine law, while some accepted redeployment to other DHL facilities.
DUWU, however, disputed the company's explanation. Union members said management had previously announced securing a three-year contract with Robinsons Supermarket but did not provide evidence explaining its termination.
Workers also claimed that Robinsons shipments continued moving through DHL's network, with some deliveries transferred to facilities in Laguna and Pampanga. The union viewed this as a possible attempt to relocate operations and avoid collective bargaining.
Workers demand negotiations and job protection
DUWU members launched a strike on August 17 and staged protests at DHL facilities, including its Sta. Rosa site.
The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights and SENTRO supported the workers, while international labor organizations, including the International Trade Union Confederation, called on DHL to engage in good-faith negotiations.
The union is seeking priority hiring for affected employees if the same operations resume elsewhere, along with recognition of its collective bargaining rights.
Although the Sucat warehouse has closed, questions remain over the number of workers who secured redeployment and those still seeking employment. The union and management have yet to publish a consolidated count of the affected workers' employment status.
