OPASCOR notice of strike hit

CEBU, Philippines — The Oriental Port and Allied Services Corporation (OPASCOR) rank-and file Employees Union-ALU-TUCP said that action taken by its president in filing a notice of strike was without their agreement and strays from their shared principles.

Last September 19, employees union President Dennis Arciaga filed a notice of strike before the National Conciliation and Mediation Board-7, alleging union busting among others.

“We believe that decisions affecting our members should come from thorough discussions and a unified voice, rather than being dictated by one individual. This approach is vital for our unity and progress as a collective,” said the employees union in a statement.

They said that while they acknowledge the urgency surrounding labor issues, they stand firmly against any calls for changes in leadership in OPASCOR, and that the leadership team has been instrumental in guiding their organization toward growth.

They said disruption threatens not just their union, but the overall well-being of everyone connected to OPASCOR.

“We call on all parties to maintain composure and engage in constructive discussions. It is through respectful dialogue that we can effectively address our challenges and uphold the stability essential to our organization,” the union said.

Meanwhile, the Associated Professional, Supervisory, Office and Technical Employees Union (APSOTEU), the supervisory union of OPASCOR, said Arciaga’s filing a notice of strike was done without informing or consulting the board and officers.

The supervisory union said that disruptions threaten not only operations, but everything they have built together.

“Our commitment to OPASCOR's stability is unwavering. We believe in collaboration, not conflict. In dialogue, not division. With strong leadership and a united purpose, we will protect what we have built and secure the future we all deserve. Indeed, we stand where it matters, and forward is the only way we go,” the supervisory union added. — (FREEMAN)