Chiong to step into Salcon labor conflict

CEBU, Philippines – For fear that it may shun away prospective investors, Naga Mayor Valdemar Chiong said he would step into the ongoing labor dispute between the management of SPC Salcon Power Corp. and the Salcon Power Independent Union.

“I will try to talk to them,” Chiong told The FREEMAN.

Chiong recalled that the last time he had a talk with the union and the workers was when the latter called off their notice of strike last year.

Chiong said that the workers averted their planned strike then and returned to the negotiating table.

However, almost a year has passed and SPIU president Gaudioso Iso said they have not yet agreed on some of the economic provisions stipulated under their collective bargaining agreement.

Iso said that after their two-day negotiation with the management last week, the latter continues to refuse to grant their “equal work, equal pay” demand.

Because of the refusal, Iso said that the union may file a notice of strike against the management. This plan would be presented during the union’s general membership meeting this week.

The management’s lawyer was not available for comment yesterday. —Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/BRP (THE FREEMAN)