VECO union questions delay in enforcement of DOLE order

CEBU, Philippines - The Visayan Electric Company Employees Union is questioning why the order of the Department of Labor and Employment for a compulsory arbitration between VECO and the union has not reached the National Labor Relations Commission 7 until now.

The union president, Casimero Mahilum, said the delay in the turnover of documents is allegedly allowing VECO to violate the status quo order.

“We are now questioning the delay, which gives management time to further violate the status quo order,” Mahilum said.

VECO has not recognized Mahilum’s leadership of the union owing to the termination of his employment last October 28, 2010.

The order of DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz was supposed to be turned over to the NLRC central office in Manila before it can be turned over to the NLRC office in Region 7 for implementation.

The NLRC 7, however, said it still has not received the order, thus, there is nothing to implement.

Last November 10, Baldoz assumed jurisdiction of the on-going labor row between the management and the union.

The union has filed a notice of strike last October 28 and is now contemplating to file a second notice of strike.

The VECO management, however, remains unfazed over this threat. VECO spokesperson Ethel Natera said a strike will not in any way interrupt the company’s services to its customers.

The union also sought the help of President Benig-no Aquino III , Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, all Cebu congressmen and the different Cebu business chambers to convince VECO to submit to an amicable settlement. (FREEMAN)