DOLE: Labor disputes settled in 4 institutions, P373M in worker gains

More than 2,500 workers have benefited from collective bargaining agreements amounting to P373.9 million, according to the Department of Labor and Employment.

The National Conciliation and Mediation Board successfully resolved four major CBA disputes involving the University of Santo Tomas, University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, Lyceum of the Philippines University-Manila, and United Pulp and Paper Co., Inc.

UST: Longstanding tuition fee dispute resolved

After a protracted deadlock, the UST Faculty Union filed a Notice of Strike on 25 March over unresolved issues in its 2021–2026 CBA. Central to the dispute were 11 economic provisions, including P220 million in unreleased faculty shares from tuition fee increases (TFIs) from 2020 to 2023.

The deadlock ended on 20 May, resulting in a new economic package worth P294 million — P220 million from TFI shares and P74.7 million from non-TFI sources — benefiting around 1,700 faculty members.

UERM: CBA breakthrough ends bargaining deadlock

On 13 March, the University of the East Employees’ Union (UEEA-FFW) filed a Notice of Strike over a stalled CBA covering 1 January to 31 December 2027. Disputed issues included salary increases, signing bonuses, and educational benefits.

Following NCMB-led talks, a P42.4 million agreement was reached on 6 May, benefiting 601 employees.

LPU: Faculty retirement policy amended after 46 years

Negotiations between the Lyceum Faculty Association and LPU reached an impasse on 26 March over 16 economic items, notably the university’s mandatory retirement policy, in place since 1978.

After intensive conciliation, the retirement provision was amended to allow flexibility for employees under 50 with 20 years of service. A final settlement was reached on 24 April, benefiting 38 union members with gains of up to P4 million.

UPPC: Wage dispute settled, industrial peace restored

Wage-related issues led the UPPC union to file a Notice of Strike on 2April. After weeks of dialogue, both sides reached an agreement on 14 May. The new CBA, covering 2025–2027, benefits 196 employees with a package worth P32.8 million for the first three years.

The CBA signing is set for the first week of June, marking a new chapter of improved labor-management relations at the company.