USC-TC to rehire 16 striking workers

CEBU, Philippines - The University of San Carlos-Talamban Campus has agreed to rehire the 16 employees, who refused an early retirement offer and instead went on a strike, if they can acquire a certificate from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

Arnold Arcipe, head organizer of the Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, said it was agreed during the conciliation conference that terminated employees should undergo training and acquire NC II certificate as plumbers and electricians from TESDA.

"Ang rason man gud nila tungod sa competency and proficiency, maong gi-require og certification sa TESDA nga NC II," Arcipe said.

Arcipe said the federation asked for six months to let the former employees undergo the training.

"Sila mismo (employees), mi-uyon sila nga mo-undergo og training ana para mabalik sila sa trabaho para sa pag-comply sa gusto sa management," he said, adding that if these people could acquire the requirements, they will be rehired directly by the institution.

"Dili na sila under sa agency kon dili direct na gihapon sila," he added.

The next conciliation conference is scheduled on May 28 at the National Conciliation and Mediation Board.

Meanwhile, USC-TC Legal Counsel Fr. Ernesto Lagura said the management is willing to rehire the terminated employees.

"Padayon gihapon mi og pangita og paagi nga malinawon nga makabaton og solusyon ug mahuman ang conflict," he said.

Lagura said he was glad that the former employees were willing to undergo training just to meet the institution's qualifications.

The terminated employees went on a strike starting May 20 to protest the decision of the school management to close their office.

The closure of the office was effective May 15 due to the long-range cost-cutting measure of the school in implementing the K to 12 Basic Education Program.  (FREEMAN)