San Fernando, Pampanga – With the combined efforts of a Conciliation-Mediation team, the National Conciliation and Mediation Board eased the negotiation deadlock between United Pulp and Paper Co., Inc. and United Pulp And Paper Corporation Employees Union.

Executive Director Maria Teresita D. Lacsamana – Cancio , Deputy Executive Teresita E. Audea, Conciliation-Mediation Division Chief Ericson L. Igual, RCMB III, OIC- Director Rowena M. Gutierrez, and handling Conciliator-Mediator Othello B. Tongio collaborated with the management and union to amicably resolve the notice of strike.

The two –year renegotiated Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) was signed  on 14 June 2023. It shall be effective retroactively from 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2024.

One of the highlights of the two-year CBA is the across-the-board wage increase and additional monthly financial assistance per covered employee.

Covered employees are also entitled to hospitalization benefits amounting to P75,000.00 and medicine allowance of up to P16,000.00.  They  will also  receive a    P10,000.00 one-time bonus.

The economic package for the two-year CBA is estimated at P15 Million benefitting 209 employees.

Parties also agreed  to retain the 150 man-days union leave provision relative to the attendance and participation of union members in the negotiation of the CBA.

United Pulp and Paper Company, Inc. is a manufacturer of industrial grade paper located at Calumpit , Bulacan.  It has more or less 500 employees. It is headed by its Chief Executive Officer Jirasak Kaewubol,  a Thai national.

United Pulp and Paper  Corporation Employees Union represents the 209 rank-and-file workers for collective bargaining purposes.  The Union is headed by its president, Marco A. Nonato, and is affiliated with the Federation of Free Workers (FFW).

End/Gillian Pearl L. Guerrero with reports from Michelle A. Pineda