We are publishing the translated version of our leaflet below February 2, 2007, about the demotion of LITO ALIGADA.
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LITO ALIGADA’S DEMOTION: Requiem for the management’s loyal servant
What happened to Lito Aligada is a clear case of demotion, and not a simple change of work. From being the First Vice President for Human Relation of Toyota Philippines, he is now a Department Production Manager.
But considering Aligada’s track record in tarnishing the company’s image as a whole and in particular in the Philippines, a demotion is nothing but a slap in his wrist. The company official should have been sacked. His shameless treatment of Toyota Philippines rank and file, and to its union, TMPCWA, is more than enough to warrant his outright removal from the company.
Majority of Toyota’s employees do not know this development. Whether Aligada’s demotion is unimportant or the management simply chose to keep mum on the issue is unclear. But when one considers that even before the signing of the bogus and much compromised CBA between TMPCLO and the Toyota management; Aligada’s removal from his former position had been effected, then it becomes obvious that Aligada’s performance is far from being satisfactory. The top management, it looks like, is wary with their former favorite toy puppet. The puppet is no longer effective in giving entertainment to its master so it must go.
Sooner or later, the demotion would catch fire, and to prevent the employees from reading the signs, Aligada was given a managerial position, only this time, he shares the position with Mr. Marcelino. Two claimants of one office; only time can tell who will survive.
Amateur union buster
Courtesy of some HR managers from several Suppliers of Toyota who clearly understand the legitimate struggle of TMPCWA, the union was able to learn of Aligada’s assault on the personal level, against TMPCWA’s president, Ed Cubelo. From the meetings attended by these managers, it was Aligada who personally facilitated Man-Com Meetings, Coordination Meetings, and even meetings with Toyota suppliers to discredit TMPCWA and its officers.
Aligada’s anti-workers and anti-union stance is astounding. Whenever the topic of unionism in Toyota floats, Aligada would automatically reply, like a battery operated toy puppet, that TMPCWA only creates trouble. Just like any other puppet, part of his memorized mantra includes the now meaningless claim that TMPCWA is a communist organization, and that its president is a communist. But unlike any other operated toy, Aligada claims threat to his life or personal safety.
But the puppet’s fear of his life had been heard many other of his kind. The hysteria created is such that the gate of Toyota now resembles a battle zone, well fortified with unidentifiable guards and police, accompanied by assorted people. According to an HR Manager from a wiring harness company, he’s somewhat scared in entering the vicinity of the company in Sta. Rosa. According to this company official, the guards are not ordinary guards, but mercenaries dressed to look like guards.
For those who still believe Aligada’s claims, it is high time to asses their continued belief with this disgraced and proven second rate union buster. Aligada’s obsession in destroying the legitimate efforts of TMPCWA created an unwarranted fear from the Top Management of Toyota in the Philippines. Unwarranted because unionism is a tradition in Toyota, particularly in Japan.
Aligada’s inhumane treatment against the officers of TMPCWA during the bogus Certification Election of February 2006 was witnessed by no other than the Top Level Representative of Toyota. Aligada’s almost fanatic hatred against TMPCWA was instrumental in prolonging the labor dispute in Toyota.
From the TMPCWA’s perspective, demotion is not enough. It will serve the interest of Toyota better if this amateur union buster is entirely removed from Toyota. Thanks to this amateurish union destroyer, Toyota is now known as a world class union buster.
TMPCWA has always been right in its assessment on Aligada’s role in the sub-human situation of Toyota workers in the Philippines. From the last negotiation of TMPCWA with the top brass of Toyota Philippines, attended by the International Metal Federation (IMF) in February 2006, the president of TMPCWA minced no word in saying that had Toyota removed Aligada right from the start of the dispute, the problem had not reached this level.
Dismiss Aligada! This is the united call of Toyota workers.
Just like what the term Human Relations suggests, the TMPCWA is hoping for a more humane treatment from the new HR Manager, Ms. Tini Arevalo. TMPCWA is hoping that finally, a genuine attempt in resolbing the labor dispuite in Toyota Philippines is in its way.
Dismiss Aligada!
Toyota Management, resolve the the labor dispute!
Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation Workers Association (TMPCWA)
