When workers at Metro Wear 2, a factory in the Philippines supplying global activewear giant Lululemon, succeeded in forming a union, they took a powerful step toward dignity, safety, and fair conditions. But just as they prepared to begin collective bargaining, management abruptly announced a suspension of operations—just one day before negotiations were set to start.
This blatant move to derail union organising has been condemned by labour groups as a classic act of union-busting. But instead of being silenced, the workers and their union fought back and, with the strength of a global movement behind them, came out ahead.
Collective action, global response
In response to the factory’s announcement, SENTRO –Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA’s partner organisation in the Philippines– mobilised a Global Day of Action on June 9. Workers, trade unions, and solidarity groups from Australia, the United States, Canada, and across Southeast Asia stood in unison to condemn the crackdown and support the workers’ right to organise.
In the Philippines, workers rallied at the Department of Labour and Employment, where a notice of strike was officially filed in response to the union-busting. That same afternoon, a large rally took place at the Mactan Export Processing Zone, led by OMEGA-PIGLAS (Organisation of Metrowear Employees for Genuine Advocacy – Pinag-isang Tinig at Lakas ng Anakpawis) and allied unions.
Watch Video of Global Support, Including Australia
Union power and international solidarity WORKS
The coordinated international pressure has already started to deliver results. Following global and local actions, negotiations between the union and factory management have resumed, with positive progress emerging on key issues.
Most significantly, five union leaders who were previously dismissed have now been reinstated with full backpay—a major victory for the union and the wider labour movement.
The fight for ethical global supply chains
This conflict is not just about one factory or one brand. It’s about the ongoing fight to ensure that the global industries are built on respect for workers’ rights, not exploitation. It’s about lifting standards for everyone across the globe.
When workers organise, they create power. And when unions around the world come together in solidarity, that power becomes unstoppable.
The case of Metro Wear 2 shows what is possible when international solidarity supports local organising. It sends a clear message to global brands like Lululemon: your supply chains must respect workers’ rights to organise, bargain collectively, and work with dignity.
As SENTRO and OMEGA-PIGLAS continue their campaign, Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA stands proudly alongside them.