NCMB wants more cases for voluntary arbitration

CEBU, Philippines – The National Conciliation and Mediation Board of the Department of Labor and Employment is campaigning for more labor cases to be forwarded for voluntary arbitration.

During the 888 forum, NCMB and the Philippine Associate of Voluntary Arbitration Inc. said only few cases are being forwarded for arbitration.

NCMB regional director Edmund Mirasol Jr. stated that since the economic meltdown, there have been numerous complaints filed before the National Labor Regulatory Commission.

Voluntary arbitration refers to settling industrial disputes wherein parties involved will submit the issue after grievances submitted to grievance machinery is not settled seven days after submission.

Mirasol said for the past few months not even one case was forwarded to them.

The grievance, as mentioned and explained by NCMB is the conflict or dispute arising from the interpretation or implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and the interpretation or enforcement of company regulations.

Also, the jurisdiction of the voluntary arbitration includes the issues involving wage distortion, issues involving productivity in programs and maritime disputes.

But NCMB clarified that all these cases will be entertained as long as the two parties agree to submit to voluntary arbitration.

Mirasol said the voluntary arbitration is a better alternative because they arrive at a decision in a short span of time.   – AJ de la Torre/BRP (THE FREEMAN)