DISPUTE at UERM SETTLED

 

        The labor dispute between UERM Memorial Medical Center and the UERM Employees Association (UERMEA-FFW) was finally settled on 18 August 2005 after the parties have entered into and signed a Memorandum of Agreement.  Secretary Sto. Tomas has earlier assumed jurisdiction over the labor dispute on June 23, 2005.   In a report to DOLE Secretary Patricia A. Sto. Tomas, NCMB Executive Director Hans Leo J. Cacdac said that upon the request of the parties, the NCMB continued to exert efforts in conciliating the parties which culminated in a settlement agreement despite the assumption order.

 

The notice of strike filed by the union on May 17, 2005 stemmed from alleged union busting, harassment, CBA violations and deadlock in collective bargaining negotiations.

 

Under the terms of settlement, management granted the salary increases of P200, P275 and another P275 per month for the first three (3) years of their CBA.  A financial assistance of P1,500.00 was also given to covered employees of the CBA upon signing of the agreement.

 

Director Cacdac said that the agreement provided for a total economic package of P13 million benefiting 563 workers.  The settlement was facilitated by Director Elenita F. Cruz and Con-Med Ma. Yolanda P. Minoria of NCMB-NCR.

 

The settlement rendered the DOLE Secretary’s assumption order moot and academic.  -   Con-Med Cristina O. Mangaliman