Due process was observed and there was a thorough investigation before the termination of 12 employees of Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc. Bacolod Plant, a statement from the company said yesterday.

The dismissed employees were found to have violated the company's Code of Disciplinary Rules and Regulations and were terminated after due process and investigation as required by law, the CCBPI management said.

The company issued the statement following the call of labor groups to boycott all Coca-Cola products in support to the dismissed employees, 10 of whom are union members.

Wennie Sancho of the Negros Labor Forum called the dismissal a form of labor oppression and union busting and urged the public to support their call for Coca-Cola products' boycott.

He said the CCBPI, without regards to the principle of human compassion terminated the workers and left their families in hunger and poverty.

The CCBPI management, however, said it has always respected workers' rights and it continues to maintain open lines of communication with all relevant unions including the Congress of Independent Organizations-Alliance of Labor Unions where 10 of the separated workers are members.

Management representatives also continue to attend mediation and conciliation meetings with the union at the National Conciliation and Mediation Board, the CCBPI statement said.

Meanwhile, Hernane Braza of the NACUSIP-TUCP said unless the CCBPI reinstates the dismissed workers, they will continue with the boycott and enlist the support of their affiliate labors groups in the US to bring the issue to the international level.*NAB

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