Mining firm claims union strike illegal
THE management of Carmen Copper Corporation (CCC) is denying allegations of unfair labor practice from its union which filed a notice of strike.
In a press statement, CCC senior corporate relations and communications officer Sofia Picardal said the Panaghiusa sa mga Mamumuo sa Carmen Copper (PAMCC) has not substantiated its allegations.
The management said the union’s declaration of a strike is illegal.
“The five-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that was signed by Carmen Copper with PAMCC in September 2012 contains a clear ‘no strike’ covenant and provides for a comprehensive grievance resolution mechanism that Carmen Copper has consistently honored and implemented,” Picardal said.
“Under prevailing law and jurisprudence, a declaration of strike in violation of a no strike clause in a collective bargaining agreement is illegal,” she added.
The PAMCC, in a press conference last Thursday, claimed the management did not take any action on issues they raised to the CCC’s Labor Management Relations Committee (LMRC).
CCC has already filed a motion to strike out PAMCC’s notice of strike before the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
A mediation conference is scheduled on February 18.
“At such forum, Carmen Copper will work earnestly towards an amicable settlement of the issue to ensure that its employees whose livelihoods depend on the strong operations of the company are not prejudiced by this unexpected action,” Picardal said.
The PAMCC also earlier said that despite their notice of strike, they hope to settle things through negotiations during the 15-day cooling off period.
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