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Monday, June 20, 2005
Mining firm loses P80M in 16-day strike
By Jane Cadalig
THE Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company said Sunday it lost around P80 million already due to the strike and the subsequent refusal of union employees to return back to work.
In a statement, the mining company said it has been losing around P5-6 million per day, as a result of the strike, which started June 2.
"For 16 days now, the company has been incurring losses of about P5-6 million daily due to the suspended operations caused by the strike. We have incurred opportunity losses to foreign investors, which consequently is an opportunity loss for the country," it added.
This developed even as Lepanto stood pat on its decision not to rehire workers who were already issued dismissal orders.
The management said it would not be fair for the company to absolve employees, who have been aware of the consequences of their illegal acts.
It maintained that the strike conducted by the labor union was illegal, taking into account the orders issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole), including the assumption order which barred the union from staging a strike as well as the ruling directing them to report back to work.
"You defied the order when you staged a strike and padlocked all four existing access to the mine and mill operations of the company and consequently paralyzing its operations," the mining company said.
It added that Lepanto Employees Union (LEU) officials and members were aware that they would be removed from employment if they ignore the Dole assumption order, saying that the management even tried to reach out but their efforts to advise the striking workers on the consequences of their actions turned futile.
It cited a provision in the Labor Code, which states that "any officer who knowingly participates in an illegal strike will lose his employment status."
"You defied the return to work order issued by Dole on June 8. The gates remained closed and padlocked and employees who wanted to report for work were prevented from entering their workplaces, depriving them the opportunity to earn much-needed income for their families," Lepanto said.
"Management stands by its decision that those who were issued notices of termination are considered separated from the service," it added.
The striking workers refuses to go back to work even after the labor department ordered the company to give the employees an increase in their daily take home pays amounting to P25, P27, P29, respectively, for the first, second and third years of their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
LEU president Ninian Lang-agan earlier said they would not go back unless management agrees to admit all the terminated employees. He said their decision will remain until management gives what the union is asking.
(June 20, 2005 issue)
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