NLRC ready to observe mediation

CEBU, Philippines - The National Labor Relations is ready to be an observer if Visayas clergy pushes through with mediation process between the Visayan Electric Company’s management and the workers’ union members.

NLRC 7th Division Presiding Commissioner Violeta Bantug expressed her readiness to act as an observer if mediation process presided by the Visayan Clergy Discernment Group (VCDG) on the labor dispute pushes through.

In her December 9 letter to the VCDG Head Convener, Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, Bantug stated that the NLRC has consistently said that reconciliation through amicable settlement continues to be the best way to resolve the problem.

However, VECO’s management continues to refuse the VCDG’s proposal for mediation.

VECO believes that legal matters cannot be dealt through a mediation process and that the mediation itself might pressure either of the parties. 

Bantug added in her letter that the NLRC 7th Division has accepted the VCDG’s invitation.

“To attend the mediation process VCDG is spearheading, as an observer, to help the parties arrive at a win-win solution to the dispute” Bantug said.

She however proposed that measures should be laid to prevent pressure from either of the concerned parties during the mediation efforts.

To prevent external factors to influence the proceedings, Bantug proposes to limit the mediation process to only the union representatives, top VECO management members and the National Consolation and Mediation Board (NCMB).

“Sympathizers of both management and union should be excluded within the premises of the venue to avoid pressure exerted on the parties to the mediation,” Bantug stressed.

Meanwhile, Bishop Alminaza extended his gratitude to NLRC 7th Division for its generosity and support for the VCDG’s proposed mediation.

Alminaza stressed: “The Church prefers mediation for the following reasons: we want the resolution of the case to be done in the Christian sprit of Love and Reconciliation.”

“It is not enough for justice to be served. It is also important that labor and management reconciles as brothers and sisters so that the industrial peace that ensues will be solidly founded on both justice and love; and so make the general public more secure in the future,” the bishop added. (FREEMAN)