NCMB resolves labor dispute at Binondo hardware, workers return to work

The pro-active mediation and conciliation efforts of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board of the Department of Labor and Employment has again proven to be effective as they led to the settlement of a labor dispute at the Co Ban Kiat Hardware, a company in Binondo, Manila, engaged in the trading of construction materials which has about 170 employees.

Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz said this yesterday as she commended the NCMB headed by executive director Reynaldo Ubaldo and his team of mediator-conciliators for effecting a settlement in the dispute which arose after the Co Ban Kita Warehouse Workers Union, the registered labor organization of the company's rank-and-file workers, filed a notice of strike on account of unfair labor practices, specifically union busting, illegal lockout, and illegal dismissal.

Baldoz also lauded the union and the management of the company for coming to a settlement, saying this is one example of the efficacy of frank and open dialogue.

Ubaldo, in his report to Baldoz, said that it only took NCMB-National Capital Region Director Walfredo Villasor, Labor Attache Leonida Romulo of the Office of the Secretary Conciliation and Mediation Office, and Conciliator-Mediator Edgar Aquino two conciliation-mediation conferences to enable the disputing parties arrive at a mutual agreement.

"As a result, all of the 41 regular workers and agency workers affected by the dispute have immediately returned to work and the harmonious relations in the company were restored," Ubaldo said.

Affiliated with the Kilusang Mayo Uno with 61 members, the Co Ban Kiat Warehouse Workers Union is headed by its president Reggie Lumauag. - dole.gov.ph — ARA