Lepanto resumes mining operations

LEPANTO Consolidated Mining Corporation (LCMC) resumed its gold mining operations in the province after it signed a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the Kilusang Mayo Uno-backed Lepanto Employees Union (LEU) last week.

LCMC Chief Operating Officer Bryan Yap said they started gold mining operation in mid-October after five idle months of “extensive development program.”

“We are back on track,” Yap said.

LCMC and LEU signed a memorandum of agreement that averted the notice of strike set last September and paved the way for the new CBA.

The National Conciliation and Mediation Board headed by Director Brenda Odsey, the LCMC and the LEU represented by Manuel Binhaon Jr. signed the CBA with packages that benefit both workers and the mining firm.

With the new agreement, workers will receive P6,000 for the first year and additional P25 per work day for the second and third years.

LEU also agreed on a medical plan worth P100,000 per year and an increased cost of living allowance from P292 to P305 per year.

Union members also expect an increased kitchen allowance from P1,000 per year to P1,400 per year to be given in two installments every May and November.

Work-related death assistance was also increased from P28,000 to P30,000, while non-work-related death assistance was increased from P18,000 to P20,000. The dependent death assistance was also increased from P10,000 to P12,000.

LEU members will continue to enjoy other added benefits as prescribed during previous collective bargaining agreements. (Ma. Elena Catajan)