Kawasaki Motors Files Lockout Notice Amid Labor Strike
MANILA, Philippines — Kawasaki Motors has formally filed a notice of lockout against its 289 rank-and-file union workers amid an ongoing labor dispute. The motorcycle company cited violations of the collective bargaining agreement, marking a significant development in the labor strike.
The notice, dated August 4, alleges that the union workers breached the “No Strike/No Lockout” clause outlined in their 2022 agreement. Kawasaki Motors pointed to the workers’ boycott of important company events as the basis for the lockout filing.
Alleged Strike and Boycott Trigger Lockout
According to company sources, employees boycotted major company-sanctioned activities including the anniversary celebration on July 24, the Sportsfest on June 15, and mandatory overtime on April 30, 2025. These actions, the company claims, amounted to illegal strike activities.
Atty. John Bonifacio, Kawasaki Motors’ legal counsel, emphasized that these boycotts violated the agreed terms, constituting unfair labor practices. “We have exhausted all legal means possible to convince union workers to accept our offer and return to work, because they are disrupting operations, but to no avail,” Bonifacio explained.
Lockout Could Begin Late August
The lockout may take effect as early as August 26, 2025, once Kawasaki Motors completes all legal requirements for a valid lockout under the Labor Code, local labor officials noted. This action comes after failed negotiations with the union over wage increase demands.
The union requested an 11.50 percent salary increase plus a P50 allowance, but the company countered with only a 5 percent raise, citing financial losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This standoff between Kawasaki Motors and its workers highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing workers’ demands and company sustainability. Both sides remain firm, with the lockout looming as operations hang in the balance.
For more news and updates on labor disputes, visit Filipinokami.com.
