A strike at Manila Doctors’ Hospital (MDH) has been averted after parties reached settlement during conciliation, according to Executive Director Rolando Rico C. Olalia of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board.

The dispute at MDH stemmed from deadlock in the collective bargaining negotiation for which the union filed a notice of strike on 05 March 2002.

After a series of conciliation conferences, the parties finally reached settlement of their differences on 26 March 2002. With the agreement, a total of more or less P77 million await the 600 union members of the hospital. Prior to the settlement, the union was poised to go on strike after earlier conducting a strike vote.

Under the agreement signed before Conciliator Leonida V. Romulo, the management of Manila Doctors’ Hospital commits to grant the following: 1) monthly salary increase of P1,100 for the 1st year, P1,000 for the 2nd year and P950 for the 3rd year of the CBA period; 2) hazard pay amounting to P275/month for staff assigned to identified areas including oncology and laundry; 3) monthly meal allowance of P1,000; 4) 30% discount on the new hospitalization services and room accommodation; 5) medical allowance; 6) 55% discount on hospital charges for legitimate dependents; and signing bonus of P8,000.

Also included in the agreement is a provision for optional retirement for which MDH management commits to pay 105%, 110% and 115% for employees with 10 to 14, 15 to19, and 20 and above years of service.

2 April 2002