As the workers’ strike in a Japanese-owned, Laguna-based factory making artificial baits for fishing reaches more than two weeks, a labor NGO called on the company management to negotiate with the workers who are seeking improvements in their wages and labor rights.

The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) said Day1Craft Philippines Inc. (D1CPI), which is located in the Special PEZA Technozone inside the Laguna Technopark in Biñan City should re-consider its refusal to meet workers’ demand for a P30 wage hike, which is already an adjustment from their original P150 demand.

“Unlike fish that are sensitive to baits, D1CPI seems to be insensitive to its workers, who have been on strike for two weeks now. Workers’ real wages have decreased amidst rising prices, and the D1CPI workers are seeking relief through a reasonable wage hike. The management should bargain in earnest,” said Kamz Deligente, CTUHR executive director.

The workers, led by the Day 1 Craft Philippines Incorporated Independent Union, claim that the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) has proposed a P20 wage hike, as well as a P20 transportation allowance, but the management continued to refuse to bargain.

“CBA negotiations are one of the means by which workers can increase their wages and advance the state of their labor rights. Company managements should not block these means by delaying negotiations or negotiating only at face-value,” Deligente stated.

CTUHR said that the D1CPI management has shown a refusal to bargain in earnest with the workers since the start of negotiations for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement in October 2025, which it delayed by a month, according to the workers.

“The workers have shown understanding for the company and patience over their conditions. They were forced to hold a strike because have been pushed to the wall by the rising prices of basic goods and by the management’s refusal to bargain,” Deligente added.

In its website, D1CPI states that it was created in 2014 and is “a wholly-owned subsidiary of Japan-based parent company, Maruyone Co., Ltd,” of which it is “the strongest production arm.” It also says that “malasakit” or compassion is one of its values, alongside innovation, accountability, commitment, and excellence.

“The times call on D1CPI to show compassion to its workers. We hope that the demands of the workers’ strike will be addressed soon in favor of advancing workers’ rights,” Deligente said.