PLDT union ratifies 3-yr CBA

The rank-and-file union of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) finally ratified the three-year collective bargaining agreement signed by PLDT management and officers of the Manggagawa ng Komunikasyon sa Pilipinas (MKP) last month.

Approximately 64 percent or 3,311 of the roughly 5,200 members of MKP ratified the CBA, as successful ratification required the approval of more than 50 percent of members.

"The ratification of the CBA provides PLDT a stronger foundation from which we can push forth our collective goals and objectives for the coming years," PLDT president Napoleon Nazareno said.

Following a series of negotiations that started last September, PLDT management and MKP managed to compromise and arrive at a mutually acceptable CBA package without any labor disturbances. This is the second rank-and-file CBA negotiation not marred by any strike. The first one was in 2000.

After the agreement was finalized, the contract signing followed shortly in February. Under the constitution of the MKP, a simple majority of 50 percent plus one was then required for ratification.

Officials said PLDT and MKP tried their best to conduct the negotiations in the spirit of trust and transparency. Their efforts paid off and labor disturbances were averted.

"Now that we have successfully hurdled the issues amongst us, it’s time to move together towards our goal of making PLDT the best telecommunications company in the region," Nazareno added.

Under the CBA, rank and file employees would receive wage increases of P1,800 for the first year of the CBA effective Nov. 9, 2003; P1,850 for the following year (effective Nov. 9, 2004), and P2,450 for the third year (effective Nov. 9, 2005).

There will also be a signing bonus equivalent to one month’s salary (computed at the salary rate prevailing prior to Nov. 9, 2003) plus P10,000.

The signing of the CBA in February was led by then PLDT president Manuel V. Pangilinan, who is now PLDT chairman, and MKP president Pedro N. Pinlac. – Mary Ann Reyes