A labor NGO today criticized the leading manufacturer of packaged bread in the country for violating its collective bargaining agreement (CBA), in light of a case filed by the company’s workers before the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) related to the issue.

The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) cited workers’ claims that Gardenia Bakeries (Philippines), Inc., which has a plant located in the Laguna International Industrial Park, in Biñan, Laguna, has been discriminating against union members and reducing its regular workforce, contrary to provisions of the existing CBA.

“CBAs are meant to improve the state of labor rights. Their non-implementation is a setback for workers, especially amidst worsening economic conditions in the country,” said Kamz Deligente, CTUHR executive director.

The Gardenia workers also held protests in February and March this year, claiming that the management refused to implement CBA provisions on adjustments to wage distortions that were supposed to be released in October 2025 but which the management moved to December 2025.

“The cost of living has been increasing steadily, so any increase in their wages is valuable for workers. Workers oppose discrimination against union members and contractualization of work forces as these weaken their unions and capacity to work for improvements in their labor rights,” Deligente added.

The labor NGO said that the Gardenia management must live up to the “Employer of the Year” award given by the city of Biñan in May this year, as the award recognizes the company for “creating employment opportunities” and “demonstrating excellence in workplace practices by providing good working conditions and benefits to its employees.”
https://www.gardenia.com.ph/gardenia-receives-employer-of-the-year-award-from-city-of-binan/

“Employers should take pride not only in providing employment but in providing decent wages and working conditions to their workers and improving these. We are glad that Gardenia recognizes this ideal and we hope it lives up to this standard,” Deligente stated.

The workers of Gardenia are led by their union, the Unyon ng mga Panadero sa Gardenia Bakeries Phils., Inc. (UGBPI), an affiliate of the Organized Labor Association in Line Industry and Agriculture (OLALIA), which is a federation of national labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU, May First Movement).