"Labor groups protest MetroWear shutdown", 10 June 2025

Progressive groups and labor advocates have staged a protest … in front of the Department of Labor and Employment in Central Visayas (DOLE-7) and the Mactan Export Processing Zone (MEPZ) in Lapu-Lapu City, calling for an end to alleged repression, union-busting, and the ongoing three-month factory shutdown…

The action formed part of a Global Day of Action supported by international labor groups, aiming to pressure MetroWear management and its parent company, Sport City International (SCI), to end alleged anti-union practices and resume operations following a controversial shutdown.

PM spokesperson Dennis Derige condemned the closure, warning that over 1,800 workers risk losing their jobs—an outcome that he said would further deteriorate labor conditions in Cebu.

He said the company blamed the shutdown on tariffs and the lingering impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration on their orders. However, workers questioned this explanation, citing inconsistencies—particularly the fact that employees had still been working overtime.

Derige described the closure as appearing “calibrated,” with employees being terminated in batches over several weeks.

Five union officers, including Board of Directors member Zezzame Vistal, were recently dismissed under MetroWear’s controversial demerit system, which workers condemned as a targeted attack on union leaders.

… Workers said they were driven to unionize due to high production quotas and excessive overtime, often skipping breaks just to meet targets.

… Union leaders also challenged the company’s justification for the shutdown, which cited poor performance at MetroWear 2…

… MetroWear 2, one of SCI’s six facilities in MEPZ, manufactures sports apparel for global brands, including Lululemon…