GOOD NEWS
November 2015

The labor dispute at Pacita Liner, Inc. has been settled through the efforts of the Regional Conciliation Mediation Branch IV-A, Director Feliciano R. Orihuela, Jr., reported yesterday.

In his report to National Conciliation and Mediation Board Officer-In-Charge Executive Director Shirley M. Pascual, Orihuela said the parties reached amicable settlement on September 22, 2015 to put a closure to the notice of strike filed by the union on August 24, 2015.

The union filed the notice of strike alleging management of unfair labor practice, specifically bargaining in bad faith for failure of management to fulfill their prior agreement.

Pascual said with the guidance of Conciliator – Mediator Mario Agustin C. Minoria, the parties resumed negotiations and concluded their CBA on September 22, 2015.

The parties signed their new CBA at the company premises in San Pedro, Laguna on September 28, 2015. Orihuela and RCMB – NCR Director Estrella B. Rosal witnessed the signing ceremony.

The CBA shall take effect from November 1, 2014 until October 31, 2017.

Salient features of the agreement include wage increases, 13th month pay and sick /vacation leave. The company also agreed to grant an additional 2 days to the retirement benefits of mechanics from 22.5 to 24.5 days per year of service in lieu of P 2,500 service pay incentive.

Pascual commended the efforts of conciliator-mediator Minoria for assisting the parties on the path to a mutually acceptable solution. She also praised the parties for their open-mindedness which paved the way for the early resolution of the dispute.

The Lakas Manggagawa ng Pacita Liner, an affiliate of Filipinong Samahang Manggagawa (FSM) is a certified bargaining agent of the 115 Union members in the company. It is headed by Mr. Fernando Mirandilla, union president.

The company, located at Brgy. San Antonio, San Pedro, Laguna, is engaged in bus transport business. It has 150 employees and is represented by Ms. Marlene A. Iclan, manager. – Diadema A. Aguirre