Salcon labor row now with DOLE

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Labor and Employment has assumed jurisdiction over the ongoing labor dispute between the management of the Salcon Power Corporation and its union.

Salcon Power Independent Union president Gaudioso Iso said that DOLE assumed the jurisdiction which in effect prevents them from going on a strike.

Under the law, DOLE can assume jurisdiction over companies whose nature are considered indispensable to economic interest such as power.

Iso said that they met with the DOLE Secretary and the management yesterday, but he refused to divulge yet as to what transpired during the meeting.

Earlier, the SPC management and the National Power Corporation assured that there will be no power supply shortage in case the strike will push through.

“Reliable supply of electricity is our mandate. The Salcon Power Corp. and the National Power Corp. are going the extra mile to ensure continued operations," top officials of the two power corporations assured.

During the strike voting last week, 91 of the 109 union members voted ‘yes’ to strike, five voted ‘no’ while one ballot was declared spoiled. – Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/MEEV   (FREEMAN NEWS)