QUEZON CITY, Philippines — A confrontation at Kowloon House on West Avenue went viral after a man who identified himself as the son of the restaurant’s owner shouted at striking workers demanding higher wages.

Videos circulating on social media showed the man berating rallyists outside the restaurant, telling them to stop disrupting customers. Witnesses said he appeared intoxicated and was seen moving in and out of the restaurant before yelling at employees.

Workers claimed the man introduced himself as “anak ni Mr. Nang,” referring to the family linked to Kowloon House. Employees alleged he later toppled barriers at the entrance of the restaurant, escalating tensions during the ongoing labor strike.

The restaurant has been closed as workers continue their protest, setting up makeshift barricades and sleeping areas outside the premises. The union said employees are demanding compliance with a ₱25 daily wage increase, citing a ₱108 gap between their current pay and the mandated minimum wage.

Negotiations have been ongoing, with workers initially asking for ₱55 before adjusting their demand to ₱35 and finally ₱25. The company’s counteroffer reportedly stands at ₱13, which workers say is insufficient given the rising cost of living.

“Karapatan namin na hinihingi sa management na dapat lang sa amin na hindi binibigay na ilang taon na mula ng kotok ng pandemic,” one worker said, stressing that wage adjustments promised years ago remain unfulfilled.

Attempts to reach the management and the Nang family for comment have so far been unsuccessful. The labor dispute continues to draw public attention, with netizens sharing footage of the heated encounter and expressing support for the workers’ call for fair wages.

This incident underscores the growing tension between restaurant workers and management in Metro Manila, as wage compliance and labor rights remain pressing issues in the post-pandemic economy. 

Image from PAMATU - Pagkakaisa ng Mamamayan ng Tundo