The labor department has issued a return-to-work order to the 650 union members, mostly crewmen.
But the seafarers have defied the order, saying they would go on with the strike until the Sulpicio management sits down with them to tackle alleged unfair labor practices.
However, Ulysses Yap, Sulpicio spokesman, said the only bargaining agent they recognize is the Associated Labor Union-Unlicensed Sulpicio Lines Rank-and-File Employees Union.
Yap said that anytime this week, Sulpicio will file a petition with the labor department for the holding of an election on which of the two unions has the majority of members. — Freeman News Service