SPC management appeals to workers union to renegotiate sans threat of strike

CEBU, Philippines – The management of SPC Power Corporation management is appealing to the employees’ union to be “reasonable with their demands” and to return to the negotiating table without having to threaten the company with a notice of strike.

“Towards this end, we respect the rights and welfare of the workers. This is why we entered into a collective bargaining agreement negotiation. We appealed to the workers that the sooner we agree, the better for them,” the management said in a statement to The FREEMAN.

The management said the “antics” of the union are what is causing the delays in reaching a mutually beneficial agreement. Still, they are reportedly awaiting a return to the negotiating table minus a notice of strike.

Of the 109 unions that participated in the strike voting last week, 91 votes yes to strike, five voted no, while one ballot was declared spoiled.

Following the expiration of the mandated seven days cooling-off period, the Department of Labor and Employment has assumed jurisdiction over the on-going labor dispute, which, in effect, would prevent the union from staging a strike.

The union expects to cripple the already tight power supply in the Visayas.

Formerly Salcon Power Corporation, SPC Power Corporation is a venture company organized by members of the Salcon Consortium that entered into a Rehabilitation, Operation, Maintenance and Management (ROMM) agreement with the National Power Corporation on March 11, 1994 for the purpose of undertaking the ROMM of the 203.8 megawatt (MW) Naga Power Plant Complex in Colon, Naga, Cebu. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/JMO   (FREEMAN NEWS)