Negotiations between the University of Santo Tomas (UST) administration and the UST Faculty Union (USTFU) have reached a deadlock, marking a critical turning point in discussions over salary and benefits. Despite extensive talks, both parties failed to resolve two key issues, leading to an impasse that could impact the faculty’s labor conditions in the coming months.

Stalled talks and deadlock declaration

On 15 March, USTFU formally declared the deadlock, following an overwhelming rejection of the university’s final offer. According to a report from The Varsitarian, a Google Forms survey conducted from 10-11 March showed that 680 faculty members voted against UST’s proposal, surpassing the simple majority threshold needed to declare an impasse. Of the 1,343 eligible voters, 400 faculty members supported the offer, while 113 votes were deemed invalid.

The final proposal from UST included a salary increase of nearly 8.5 percent and back wages from 1 August 2020, under the proposed 2021-2026 collective bargaining agreement (CBA). It also offered an increase in medical benefits from P100,000 to P150,000 annually and a critical illness benefit of P200,000, which could have risen to P300,000 if union members accepted a P17-million “rank upgrade” budget.

However, a significant point of contention was the P17-million budget allocation for rank upgrades, down from the initial P26 million the union had sought. USTFU wanted the university to shoulder the cost, but the administration insisted on sourcing it from the faculty’s mandatory 70 percent share of tuition increases — a move that faculty negotiators opposed.

What is a deadlock? 

According to the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), a deadlock signifies a failure to reach a mutually acceptable settlement in collective bargaining. In such cases, the NCMB may step in to facilitate mediation and prevent a full-scale labor dispute.

In a statement released on 13 March, UST dismissed allegations of unfair labor practices and reaffirmed its commitment to negotiating in good faith. “We value our academic staff and continue to negotiate in good faith to reach a CBA that is just, sustainable, and aligned with both faculty welfare and the long-term stability of the institution,” the university said.

While expressing disappointment over the deadlock, the UST administration assured Thomasians that the impasse would not disrupt classes or university operations. “We stand in solidarity with all University stakeholders in hoping and praying for a just and swift resolution to the CBA deadlock,” it said.

What follows a deadlock?

Following the deadlock declaration, USTFU is set to file a strike notice on 24 March, a move that could escalate the standoff. A strike — where faculty members refuse to work — or a lockout, imposed by the administration, are potential risks as both sides seek resolution.

As the negotiations remain unresolved, all eyes are now on the next phase of the standoff — whether mediation efforts will lead to a compromise or if faculty members will push through with a strike that could disrupt university operations.