Philippines : RCMB-11 averts strike at Musahamat Farms II in Davao
MANILA, July 2 - The Department of Labor and Employment commended the Regional Conciliation and Mediation Board in Region 11 for averting an impending strike at the Musahamat Farms Inc. (Farm
The Muasahamat Workers Labor Union II, an affiliate of NAFLU-KMU, represents for collective bargaining purposes of a total of 230 rank and file employees in the company. It is headed by its union president, Esperidion Cabaltera.
“In view of the agreement of the management of Musahamat Farm II and the union, the Notice of Strike is now resolved and closed. The employment of the 52 banana workers were preserved and the livelihood of their families sustained. Likewise, banana exportation business was retained,” DOLE said.
DOLE also commended the union and management of Musahamat Farms II for their unified resoluteness and willingness to discuss their differences. “With the settlement, a strike was averted, assuring the country of continuing industrial peace,” the DOLE report added.
Records show that the union filed a Notice of Strike with the RCMB-11 alleging unfair labor practice, specifically on union busting; termination of union officers and members; illegal suspension, withholding union dues and agency fees; and no rally memorandum, on 15 March 2016.
On 15 April, after a series of conciliation-mediation conferences facilitated by the RCMB-11, the parties signed an agreement as the terms and conditions of the settlement of their labor dispute.
The agreements were: For those who will not continue working as farm employees, they may avail of financial assistance which will be computed at 15 days per year of service, or be absorbed by Musahamat Farm subject to the compliance of pre-employment requirements.
Employees who would signify their intentions to be absorbed by the company will be placed on a probationary status as provided by law. The standard criteria for regularization which will be used for evaluation for regular employment shall be jointly formulated by the technical working group composed of DOLE-NCMB, management, and union representative.
A P100.00 union dues will be deducted by management starting February 2016 and remit the same to the union not late than 15 days from the signing of the agreement; With respect to suspension of workers that are still to be served. All suspension are deemed revoked by the management and the workers may resume work anytime. Workers who served their suspension shall be given P1,500 as financial assistance.
The workers and union committed to respect the no-rally zone designated by the management.
Both management and union agreed that no retaliatory actions shall be taken and that they will mutually work together to continue harmonious relationship in the workplace. (DOLE)