DOLE-RO8 congratulates EDC for historic virtual CBA signing

By NORMA RAE S. COSTIMIANO
June 4, 2020

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office VIII congratulates the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) for the successful conduct of its 2020 Unified Rank and File (RF) and Professional Technical (PT) Online Conclusion/Signing Ceremony last 02 June 2020 via the zoom online application, a first in the region and in the country.

The EDC, having three labor unions namely, Leyte Geothermal Professional Technical Employees Union (LEGPTEU), Tonongan Workers Union - Rank and File (TWU) and Leyte “A” Geothermal Project Employees Union – Rank and File (LAGPEU), has started their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations last April 30, 2020. After four (4) separate sessions conducted virtually, the negotiations were concluded on May 12, 2020.

Regional Director Yahya A. Centi gave his inspirational message to the management and union panel members of EDC during the significant occasion. He also congratulated EDC for the initiative in pursuing the CBA negotiations using online platform during this global health crisis and even cited it as one historic event.

“In this time of pandemic, and the means by which you concluded your CBA negotiation, is a first for the entire country, since it was done through virtual platform. I must congratulate EDC and its unions for this initiative. Indeed, you are one of the big brothers that continuously maintains peaceful industrial relations within the region,” Centi said.

During the online conclusion ceremony, Director Centi also briefly shared about the importance of collective bargaining.

“The right to bargain collectively with an employer enhances the human dignity, liberty and autonomy of workers by giving them the opportunity to influence the establishment of workplace rules and thereby gain some control over a major aspect of their lives. Collective bargaining is not simply an instrument for pursuing external ends, rather it is intrinsically valuable as an experience in self-government”, Centi added.

Finally, Director Centi gave the panel members some useful reminders and words of encouragement to inspire them as they ink their renewed CBA.

“Labor Management Relations is like marriage. There are times that parties do not agree on certain issues but still maintains to live and work with each other for the common good of the family. Today is like your renewal of vows/commitments to each other. As you ink your CBA and even amidst this pandemic, allow me to convey my heartfelt congratulations to all of you for this historic and memorable event,” Centi ended.

Ms. Lisa Teresita F. Daigan, Head of HR Operations for VisMin Cluster of EDC, expressed her sincerest gratitude and respect to Director Centi for being a supportive leader. She likewise committed to continue partnership with the DOLE team.