Second notice of strike against VECO looming

CEBU, Philippines – The Visayan Electric Company Employees Union is contemplating to file another notice of strike amidst the alleged defiance of the management to the order of Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz for the payroll reinstatement of the union president.

VECOEU president Casmero Mahilum said they are planning to resume another wave of protest actions against the power utility firm for its alleged continued harassment to the union members and union busting.

Mahilum said VECO management refuses to cease its alleged unfair labor practices prompting the union members to also consider filing another notice of strike.

Mahilum said that on November 22, 2010, three active union members were transferred to positions not in line with their expertise.

This transfer, according to Mahilum, was done without the usual process of prior discussion so that workers will know the reasons of personnel movement.

This was also reminiscent to the fate of union officers who were also quickly transferred to other positions after lodging a protest action.

He added that the union also discovered recently that many union members were converted as confidential employees and several works performed by union members were contracted out without the knowledge of the union.

"This should be opposed through concerted actions in order to protect job security and union security," Mahilum said in a press statement.

Meanwhile, Mahilum denied the management's claim that his salary was deposited with the National Labor Relations Commission.

Mahilum said he was able to confirm during his meeting with Veco's lawyer Deolito Alvarez at the National Conciliation and Mediation Board-Regional Arbitration Board VII that the management's manifestation was denied.

VECOEU filed a notice of strike before the NCMB on October 28, 2010 on the ground of unfair labor practices. DOLE however assumed jurisdiction over the matter after the mandatory seven-day cooling-off period.

Baldoz ordered compulsory arbitration before the NLRC and the payroll reinstatement of Mahilum. (FREEMAN)