Representatives from the management and union of Sky Cable Corp., together with Conciliator Mediators from the Regional Conciliation and Mediation Branch NCR, following the resolution of their CBA deadlock.

Intramuros, Manila – The reception and signal are definitely better now for Sky Cable Corporation employees, as the resolution of an impasse that had affected them since the beginning of the year was finally resolved on March 25, 2025, thus averting a potentially damaging workers’ strike.

Citing a deadlock in Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations and allegations of union busting, the Sky Employees’ Union filed a notice of strike with the Regional Conciliation and Mediation Branch-NCR (RCMB-NCR) on January 30, 2025.

The notice of strike stemmed from Sky Cable’s ongoing financial restructuring and workforce optimization efforts, which coincided with negotiations for the sixth CBA cycle. The union expressed deep concern over the disproportionate impact of these changes on its union members. It was reported that there was a significant decrease in membership, from 305 in October 2024 to 111 by March 2025.

Consequently, the initial discussions, which started in February 2025, underscored the need to bridge the differing perspectives of both parties.

The union prioritized immediate improvements to the CBA, with the reinstatement of laid-off personnel as a key demand. Sky Cable, however, emphasized the urgency of addressing its financial constraints, commencing the negotiations in July this year to allow for a more comprehensive financial assessment following the recent service migration.

Despite initial disagreements, a spirit of collaboration gradually emerged. The provision of audited financial statements helped foster transparency and build a foundation for mutual trust.  While subsequent meetings remained tense, the parties witnessed a progressive narrowing of differing perspectives, though the interpretation of a “holdover capacity” for the existing CBA continued to be a point of discussion.

Breakthroughs

On March 25, 2025, collaborative efforts resulted in a landmark agreement —a mutually beneficial settlement that averted a potentially damaging strike, underscoring the power and effectiveness of collaborative conflict resolution.

The skillful intervention of Conciliator-Mediator Julia Peleo proved pivotal in breaking the deadlock. Her timely proposal of a lump-sum payment sparked a series of constructive counter-proposals.

The “Great Cable Tie,” as dubbed by Regional Director Edgar Aquino, successfully resolved a complex labor issue through the agreement.

The agreement provided a substantial lump-sum payment of ₱40,000 to each active union member for the first year of the CBA, along with additional benefits, including uniform allowances, educational assistance, and half of the 13th-month pay, totaling more than ₱ 11 million.

Importantly, negotiations for the remaining two years of the CBA are scheduled to resume in July 2025. All existing provisions will remain in effect and a firm guarantee of non-retaliation.

This settlement demonstrates the value of open communication, transparency, and compromise in resolving complex labor disputes, proving that even under financial pressure, a collaborative approach can lead to win-win outcomes, the very goal the branch endeavors to achieve all the time. This is also a testament to the effectiveness of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board’s (NCMB) conciliation-mediation services, showcasing the potential for positive outcomes through collaboration.

Sky Cable Corporation, the Philippines’ leading cable and satellite television provider, was founded in 1990 as Central CATV, Inc. It quickly established itself as the country’s pioneer in the cable television industry. In 1995, it rebranded itself as what is now popularly known as Sky Cable, a major player in the Philippine media landscape today.end/ejfa