PRESS RELEASE

NCMB-DOLE

4 August 2004

Contact Nos.: 5273421/5279806

 

 

LABOR DISPUTE IN PAPER COMPANY SETTLED

 

        A P21 million package of economic benefits capped the settlement of the labor dispute on August 3, 2004 at United Pulp and Paper Company, Inc. (UPPCI) in Bulacan benefiting 235 workers.  The settlement averted a possible strike, according to Acting Executive Director Romeo A. Young of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board.

 

            The dispute stemmed from deadlock in collective bargaining on the first  3 years of their 5-year CBA for which the Federation of Free Workers-affiliated UPPCI Employees Union filed a request for preventive mediation and a notice of strike against UPPCI on July 8, 2004.

 

            The NCMB exerted earnest efforts to help the parties resolve their dispute and eventually reached settlement. 

 

            With the agreement, UPPCI agreed to pay a wage increase of P750 per month plus P250 allowance for 12 months starting July 1, 2004 to be given as lump sum on October 15, 2004; a wage increase of P1,000 per month beginning July 1, 2005 and another P1,000 per month wage increase beginning July 1, 2006.  Also, management commits to provide financial assistance of P640,000 per year as hospitalization benefits, annual medical allowance of P8,400, uniforms, scholarship program, workers education and P20,000 long service award for employees with 35 years of service in addition to the existing schedule of benefits.   

 

            The conclusion of the CBA through the team approach conciliation-mediation of Conciliators Rodolfo C. Guevarra and Nelson N. Valerio, and Director Elenita F. Cruz paved the way to the settlement of the dispute.