Joe Guzman: Early attempt at unionism 1978-82

by Levy Abad

Back in 1978, the Samahan ng Manggagawang Pilipino or Federation of Filipino Workers of Manitoba (FFWM) had an induction of its officers on November 11, 1978, at the International Centre (65 Redwood Avenue) (Silangan, October 1978). In my previous article, which is included in the book Giving Back and Paying Forward: Filipino Labour Leaders of Winnipeg (1968-1997), I thought these were different organizations with the same set of officers, until I found the Silangan, May 1980 issue, which affirms that they are the same organization.

Officers of this early attempt at unionism were the following: Jose “Joe” Guzman (Chair), Mel Ison (Vice-Chair), Andres “Jing” Asperin (Secretary), Quezon Taruc (Treasurer), Oscar Tobias (Auditor), Moises Ben (PRO), Narsing Soriano and Eddie Garin (Sergeants-at-Arms). Unfortunately, some of the officers have already passed away.

The 1977 Silangan article listed the expected dignitaries attending the induction, including Labour Minister Norma Price, New Philippine Ambassador Ramon del Rosario, and Labour Attaché, Rodin Crisostomo. According to Ralph Buñag, PAM president (1980), Joe Guzman was his friend. He convinced Joe to spearhead PAM’s program on labour organizing. Resty Taruc also prodded Joe Guzman to organize.

In the Silangan article, it mentioned Joe as a former labour coordinator of the Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE) in Manila, and as an active labour leader in the Philippines. Furthermore, Joe Guzman had attended workshops at the Asian Labour Institute at the University of the Philippines. He also worked for New York Life Insurance and was a real estate agent. Joe eventually moved to Vancouver for good.

Interestingly, the advisers of the FFWM were PAM pioneers too, such as Dr. Conrad Santos (PAM board), Cris Aglugub (PAM president 78, 82-85), Resty Taruc (PAM president 81-82), who is known as the prime mover of the federation, Franco Razon and Danny Fuentespina.

The book, Giving Back Paying Forward, lists the organization’s achievements for 1978. Among them were the passing of its constitution and by-laws, attendance in the oathtaking ceremony held in the Philippine embassy in Ottawa, helping with the strike at Western Glove, a donation to bereaved families of the Filipino Seniors Group, providing aid through donation with the family of Jes Garcia, organizing a softball league for June 10, 1979, as well as the fun Disco in 1979.” (p. 31).

In 1980, the FFWM held its elections on the 21st of June (Silangan, May 1980). Candidates came from different organizations: Boeing, Tan Jay International, Standard Knitting, Health Sciences Centre, Motor Coach Industries Inc., Lantry Sportsware, McLean Electric Co., and Versatile Manufacturing. However, the record of the results of this election is yet to be found.

It was mentioned in the October 1982 issue of Silangan that Jolly Rabaya was the incoming chair. A brief outline of the organization’s objectives was also cited: 1. Promotion of individual and collective interest; 2. Harmonious employer and employee relationship; 3. Greater level of skills and education; and 4. Harmonious relations with other labour groups. Board members include Susie Regacho, Jing Asperin, and Arthur Domingo. Fran Balagot, Florencio Antonio, who became a school board trustee, Aurora Casem, Joy Santos, Oscar Carbonel, Joe Sulit (CKJS radio broadcaster), Ben Esteban, Greg Sevillo, Jose Gonzales, Francisco Juan, and Ed Bumanlag were elected to the board of directors.

My ongoing research on unionism in the Filipino community in Winnipeg uncovered information that was not included in my book Filipino Labour Leaders of Winnipeg (1968-1998) Giving Back, Paying Forward. A closer look at the available record of objectives and achievements mentioned above proves the weaknesses of the effort viewed from the 1919 General Strike tradition of raising workers’ consciousness (collective negotiations, history of working-class struggles, workplace safety, anti-discrimination and bullying, human rights, working class solidarity). Unfortunately, the FFWM would fade from the community radar between the mid-80s and the 90s. When the FFWM was just starting, the labour reps from the International Ladies Garment Workers Union and the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers were non-committal to the federation but were willing to assist the newly formed organization (Silangan, July 1978). Eventually, members of the community would become active in mainstream unions and become shop stewards, presidents and national union reps.

Levy Abad authored a book titled Rhythms and Resistance: Narrative of Filipino Musicians and Activists (1972-1994). Levy is also a singer-songwriter, poet, and migrant rights activist who has released four albums centred on the life and struggles of migrants.