PHILPHOS Supervisory Union, Management Sign New CBA After Swift Negotiations

by Paps O. Macayan

Tacloban City — After just five meetings at the bargaining table, the management of Philippine Phosphate Fertilizer Corporation (PHILPHOS) and the supervisory union officials of PHILPHOS Movement for Progress, Inc. (PMPI) signed a new three-year Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) worth over P16 Million package.

Teofilo Y. Aro, PMPI President, described the process as “principled” despite the swiftness of the negotiations. “It was through consultations, which were done before CBA negotiations had actually started, that both the union and management came at a mutually acceptable terms in the CBA. Maturity prevailed on both sides and we easily arrived at a common ground. Now the company can move on without being held back by a labor dispute,” he said.

Razolland B. Raullo, PHILPHOS AVP – HR Manager and member of the management panel, also cited “mutual trust and respect” as the reason for the quick CBA negotiations. He disclosed that on the first day of meeting, the panels have set the ground rules of the negotiation, while on the rest of the days, it turned out to be a workshop activity for the management and the union aimed at improving productivity and the workplace relations, departing from the old and traditional way of negotiations.

Members of both management and union panels signed the CBA in a simple ceremony held at the Leyte Industrial Development Estate (LIDE) Function Hall, Isabel, Leyte. It was witnessed by DOLE Region VIII Regional Director Atty. Forter G. Puguon, NCMB RB8 Regional Branch Director Juanito B. Geonzon and Conciliator-Mediator Tomas B. Biboso.

Director Geonzon was impressed with the negotiation process. “In my experience, negotiations usually run up to 6 or 10 months. Today’s signing, which is the result of just five meetings, is a reflection of PHILPHOS’ good working relationship. I congratulate all for having concluded the CBA in a smooth and swift manner and without resorting to the filing of a case with NCMB,” he said in his message.

Engr. Cesar C. Banaag, PHILPHOS Operation Manager, thanked the NCMB for extending legal assistance to the parties on their earlier disagreement about agency fee and union’s right of representation. “The advice of Director Geonzon and Conciliator-Mediator Biboso paved the way for a common understanding and made the negotiations smooth and easy sailing,” he said.

The agreement provides a substantial salary increase in the next three years, an increase in retirement pay, housing, electricity and water allowances, and a considerable signing bonus and other benefits.