22/04/2026
๐๐ข๐ข๐: ๐๐ผ๐๐น๐ผ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ธ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ ๐ต๐ถ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ถ๐ฟ ๐๐ถ๐
๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐ป๐ฐ๐น๐๐ฑ๐ฒ๐
The six day strike staged by Kowloon workers ended following a signed agreement between labor representatives and management that granted wage increases, restored benefits, and opened formal negotiations for a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Initially there were around 60 workers that participated in the protest, effectively halting operations at Kowloon House West Avenue. Starting from April 15, 2026, workers remained together on site for the succeeding five days where they slept, ate, and organized collectively, resulting in a complete paralysis of the company production.
During the program, Jerome Adonis of Kilusang Mayo Uno commended the workers and their families, recognizing the strike as a major victory. Renee Co of Kabataan Partylist also attended, while Bernard Dimaunahan expressed gratitude to donors and supporters who sustained the workers throughout the strike. Negotiations for a CBA then began, with management expected to face the media in a scheduled press conference.
Additionally, the strike centered on the demands where workers called for โsapat at makatarungang sahod para sa manggagawaโ and the just return of withheld service charge benefits. These demands were addressed in the agreement signed between the Genuine Labor Organization of Workers in Hotel, Restaurant and Allied Industries and Katipunan Food Service.
Under the said agreement, workers has secured a Php 40 wage increase spread over two years, alongside the reinstatement of service charge benefits that had been withheld for the past three years that they are working. Management also committed to releasing these service charges weekly from July to November, in addition to granting a full package of benefits, including signing bonuses, vacation and sick leaves, and etc. The company also agreed to a non-retaliatory clause, ensuring that no cases or punitive actions would be filed against striking workers. All striking workers were also set to receive Php 2, 500 by Friday, reflecting immediate gains following the protest. This development marked a significant safeguard for labor rights following the protest.
This strike was described as historic, being the first at Kowloon in 18 years. It reportedly reduced company profits, compelling management to concede to workers demands due to the sustained halt in operations. At present, workers are returning to their jobs today. A nationwide rally is set to follow, alongside a larger mobilization on Labor Day, as labor groups push to extend the gains of the Kowloon strike into a wider campaign.
Written by Aldous Paras
Photos by Prince Lagaรฑa | TPA
