Sunday, April 27, 2008 Resolution of conflict pleases mayor, union
THE SPC Power Corp. sees the solution of its conflict with the Salcon Power Independent Union (SPIU) as a triumph of sobriety and dialogue in solving labor crisis.
Antonio T. Corpuz, SPC senior vice president and chief operating officer, said the SPC management will uphold its primary responsibility of providing reliable supply of electric power to Cebu and the rest of the Visayas.
The SPIU agreed to withdraw its notice of strike filed with the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) last March 14, ending more than a month of tension.
City of Naga Mayor Valdemar Chiong said he is happy that the labor dispute ended, as it paved a way to a lasting industrial peace in the city.
“We want to maintain industrial peace in the City of Naga because several investors are now applying to relocate to the area. Secondly, we want no disturbance to the supply of power to Cebu,” Chiong said.
Bargaining agent
The SPC management now recognizes SPIU as exclusive bargaining agent of all rank-and-file employees.
During the conciliation meetings conducted by NCMB Director Edmund Mirasol, the management questioned the union presidency of Gaudioso Iso Jr. because as a foreman, he does not belong to the rank-and-file employee but is under the supervisory level.
But after the dialog last April 25, the management said it will treat as a separate matter the issue on mixed membership of the union and refer it to appropriate authorities for decision.
Present in the dialog was Mirasol. There were no legal counsels and third party advisers.
The two parties will also review the composition of union members based on the 14-year history of SPC Power Corp.
“In the meantime, and without waiting for the decision of the mixed membership issue by the proper authorities, the parties will start with the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations based on an agreed timetable and ground rules”, Corpuz said. (EOB)
