ALU now the bargaining agent of 7D employees

The Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines is now the exclusive bargaining agent of the 7D Food International Incorporated workers who voted in favor of the union in yesterday's certification election.

Ferdinand Jumapao, operations director of ALU-TUCP Visayas, said of the 144 employees in the bargaining unit, 75 voted "yes" against no opposition. Only one employee has abstained from voting.

Jumapao said that despite the fact that representatives from the Department of Labor and Employment were not allowed entry into the company's premises to hold the election, the voting managed to push through.

The election, which lasted for about five hours, was nevertheless held outside the company's premises along A.S. Fortuna St., Mandaue City.

But Jumapao said ALU-TUCP's certification as the exclusive bargaining agent of the 7D employees will only become final five days after the election if the management will not lodge its opposition.

The 7D management was not available for comment.

Last February, at least 100 7D employees were banned from their work and were reportedly driven out of their quarters after the management found them affiliating with ALU-TUCP.

The incident also followed after DOLE received on February 18 the charter certificate of 7D Employees Union's registration with ALU-TUCP.

7D engages in mango business for local and international distributions. Its products include Mangorine, Mango Puree, Mango Nectar and dried mangoes. - Mitchelle P. Calipayan