UST faculty files notice of strike over unpaid backpay

MANILA, Philippines — Amid alleged unpaid backpay, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) faculty union filed a notice of strike with the Department of Labor and Employment yesterday.

The UST professors demanded the release of P220 million in backpay allegedly delayed for four years.

According to UST faculty union president Emerito Gonzales, faculty members should receive annual backpay, but payments from 2020 to 2024 have yet to be released.

The Commission on Higher Education has issued a show-cause order asking the UST administration to explain the delay, Gonzales said.

The strike notice was filed after negotiations for the 2021 to 2026 collective bargaining agreement reached a deadlock on March 14 over disagreements on economic benefits and the faculty’s 70 percent share in tuition hikes.

In response, UST emphasized its commitment to ensuring faculty welfare through financial and professional development initiatives.

ACT Teachers party-list said it stands with the faculty members’ fight for salary increase and benefits.