More than 2,500 workers are benefitting from P373.9 million in collective bargaining agreement (CBA) proceeds, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE).

The National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) said it has successfully resolved four significant CBA disputes, benefitting over 2,500 employees from the University of Santo Tomas (UST), University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center (UERM), Lyceum of the Philippines University-Manila (LPU) and United Pulp and Paper Co. Inc. (UPPC).

Following a deadlock after numerous negotiations on its 2021–2026 CBA, the UST Faculty Union filed a notice of strike on 25 March.

The move stemmed from a standstill on 11 items in the CBA, including the unreleased faculty share from tuition fee increases (TFIs) amounting to more than P220 million from 2020 to 2023, as well as concerns over hospitalization benefits, expanded vacation leave for non-teaching staff, and the tertiary rank upgrade fund.

The stalemate was resolved on 20 May. The newly established agreement secured a total economic package of P294 million, comprising P220 million from TFI shares and P74.7 million from non-TFI sources, benefitting approximately 1,700 faculty members.

The conclusion of the CBA symbolized the resolution of past challenges and a commitment to future collaboration and growth.

Meanwhile, the University of the East Employees’ Union (UEEA-FFW) filed a notice of strike on 13 March due to a bargaining deadlock with UERM.

The impasse involved 11 unresolved economic provisions in their CBA, which covers the period from 1 January to 31 December 2027. Issues included salary increases, signing bonus, educational benefits, industrial peace bonus and salary loans.

After a series of conciliation conferences facilitated by NCMB, the parties reached a mutually beneficial settlement on 6 May. The estimated economic package amounts to P42.4 million, benefitting 601 employees.

On the other hand, a notice of strike was filed on 26 March in an effort to resolve the CBA impasse between the Lyceum Faculty Association and the Lyceum of the Philippines University.

The deadlock involved 16 economic issues, most notably the university’s mandatory retirement policy, implemented since 1978.

Through conciliation conferences, the number of deadlocked items was reduced from 16 to six. During a 14 April meeting, the union accepted the proposals presented by management, except for the retirement provision.

A breakthrough was achieved on 22 April, when both parties agreed to amend the retirement rule to allow flexibility for employees under 50 who reach 20 years of service.

The improvements were recognized by the Union, and on 24 April, both parties agreed to settle. The CBA benefits 38 union members, with up to P4 million in monetary gains.

At UPPC, wage disputes prompted the filing of a notice of strike on 2 April. After a series of conciliation conferences, the Union and Management reached a resolution on 14 May.

The agreement not only ends the bargaining deadlock but also paves the way for a more peaceful workplace, fostering continued growth for both the company and its employees.

The CBA, covering the period from 1 January to 31 December 2027, benefits 196 employees and includes a P32.8 million package for the first three years.

The CBA signing is scheduled for the first week of June 2025, marking a significant achievement for both the union and management of UPPC.