Business groups reject VECEU's appeal for support on strike plans

CEBU, Philippines – The three influential business organizations in Cebu have jointly expressed their rejection of the earlier pronouncement made by the Visayas Electric Company Employees Union (VECEU) to hold a massive strike on November 10.

The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Cebu Business Club (CBC) and Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) recently issued a position paper to reject the union's appeal for support on their strike.

The VECEU threatens to cut power lines within the company's franchise distribution area, covering Talisay in Southern part of Cebu and Liloan in the northern part of Cebu.

"We firmly reject any appeals of the Veco union for the public and business community to bear with power supply cuts which they are threatening to bring about actions in aid of their own agenda," the statement read.

"Veco and the integrity of its operations is critical to the developments of Cebu," said CBC president Gordon Allan Joseph.

In an earlier statement, Renato Geminez VECEU Vice president said they will stage a "company-wide work stoppage anytime after November 10."

The VECEU was determined to hold a strike to protest against alleged "unfair labor practices" including the dismissal of their president Casimiro Mahilum and several other Veco employees.

Mahilum was earlier served the decision of a disciplinary case which stemmed from statements he made against the Veco management, both verbal and published in articles of two local dailies in May 2009.

On the other hand, Veco corporate communications manager Ethel Natera assured the strike threat won't affect VECO's operation. "We have set contingency plans already."

About 50 percent of total VECO's employees are union members. Most of them are linemen, tellers and other rank-and-file workers. Of the total 442 total Veco employees, 239 are members of VECEU.

"Veco assures the public that in the event of a strike, electric service to all areas of our franchise shall continue uninterrupted," Natera said.

"We shall ensure that electric service will not be hampered. Customer requests, applications and payments as well as complaints will be acted on," she added.

The joint statement of the business sector was signed by presidents of Cebu Business Club president Gordon Allan Joseph, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Consul Samuel Chioson and Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Eric Ng Mendoza. (FREEMAN)