Eastern Telecoms, union conclude CBA

Industrial peace is the order of the day in Eastern Telecoms. After only a record nine meetings, the management and employees union of Eastern Telecoms signed a new collective bargaining agreement covering the period 2001-2004.

The CBA negotiation process is believed to be the shortest ever in the history of Eastern Telecommunications Philippines Inc. (ETPI).

ETPI management led by its chairman Dr. Richard Freyer, president and chief executive officer Pablo L. Lobregat and deputy president/CEO Nenita Lim-Cruz lauded the management panel headed by Fernan A. Rimando and the union panel led by ETEU president Victor Mamaril for the speedy conclusion of the CBA negotiations.

Dr. Freyer said that with the signing of the CBA, ETPI will have industrial peace and thus stability for the next three years. "This is something that is very critical in these competitive times for the industry. Our subscribers must have confidence that ETPI is able to provide high quality service from a dedicated workforce unencumbered by labor issues."

"The immediate conclusion of the CBA negotiations gives us the opportunity to focus even more on the business of the company and increase its value and competitiveness," Lobregat said.

For her part, Cruz expressed satisfaction that both panels reached industrial accord without the prolonged and sometimes heated confrontations that traditionally spice labor bargaining negotiations in the past.

Mamaril expressed the union’s full support and commitment to management as both will have to work together for the achievement of ETPI’s business goals and objectives. Rimando lauded the cooperation and transparency shown by the Union panel leading to a smooth and speedy negotiation process. He also cited the full support given by top management that determined the immediate conclusion of the CBA negotiation. – Mary Ann Reyes