Mine workers strike over failed wage talks
'The company respects the right of workers to organize and to bargain collectively. We remain committed to resolving all issues through dialogue, in good faith, and within the framework of Philippine labor laws.'
TUBA, Benguet — Hundreds of underground and surface workers at Philex Mining Corp.’s Padcal mine launched a strike early Sunday morning following a deadlock in collective bargaining negotiations, union representatives said.
The work stoppage began between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. during the first shift of the day, effectively moving up industrial action originally slated for Tuesday, 13 October 2026.
The strike stemmed from a 22 September union referendum in which 757 of 863 participating members voted to authorize industrial action over unresolved wage issues.
Following a mandatory seven-day cooling-off period that expired 8 October, labor leaders rejected management’s latest proposal during conciliation talks in Baguio, which offered a variable wage increase tied to ore production metrics.
Allan Sagun, president of the National Mines and Allied Workers Union Local 101, said the union is pressing for fixed wage increases necessary to help workers cope with inflation and rising living costs.
Philex Mining spokesperson Eduardo Aratas stated that mining operations were continuing despite the walkout, confirming that management remains engaged in conciliation proceedings overseen by the National Conciliation and Mediation Board.
“The company respects the right of workers to organize and to bargain collectively,” Aratas said in a statement. “We remain committed to resolving all issues through dialogue, in good faith, and within the framework of Philippine labor laws.”
Aratas added that company officials are seeking a financially sustainable agreement while protecting corporate assets and minimizing potential disruptions to site operations.
Formal conciliation talks between union representatives and management are scheduled to resume today, 12 October, at the National Conciliation and Mediation Board central office in Intramuros, Manila.