Two labor disputes which were the subjects of assumption and certification orders were settled, according to Executive Director Rolando Rico C. Olalia of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board.

The labor dispute between Batangas Sugar Central, Inc. and its two unions was settled on 08 March 2002 after a 7-day work stoppage. In a report to DOLE Secretary Patricia A. Sto. Tomas, Director Olalia said that the parties finally executed a STRIKE SETTLEMENT/RETURN TO WORK AGREEMENT. The dispute was earlier certified by Secretary Sto. Tomas to the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) for compulsory arbitration

The strike stemmed from alleged unfair labor practice acts of management for which the unions filed a notice of strike on 31 January 2002. The settlement came after conciliation efforts undertaken by NCMB Conciliator Leodegario M. Teodoro.

With the agreement, the unions lifted their picket on March 9, 2002, withdrew their respective notices of strike, returned to work, and the company accepted back striking employees under the same terms and conditions prior to the strike. The company also agreed to pay the striking employees strike duration pay for the period from March 1-8, 2002, and not to impose any disciplinary action or resort to retaliatory acts upon the employees in connection with the strike.

In another case, Director Olalia also reported that the labor dispute at College Assurance Plan was settled on 11 March 2002.

The issue of bargaining deadlock was the subject of a notice of strike filed by the Samahan sa College Assurance Plan against its management on January 15, 2002. Secretary Sto. Tomas has earlier assumed jurisdiction over the labor dispute on February 21, 2002. Despite the order of assumption, the NCMB continued to conciliate the parties which culminated in a settlement agreement.

Olalia said that the agreement provided for a total economic package of P52 million benefiting 744 workers. The assistance of Conciliator Wilfrido P. Santos who facilitated the conclusion of their CBA paved the way to the settlement of the dispute.

The settlements rendered the DOLE Secretary’s certification and assumption orders moot and academic

14 March 2002