Last-ditch efforts to stave off a strike that would have paralyzed the operations of the Holy Child Hospital in Dumaguete City were conducted with both parties reaching an agreement.

This came after a series of discussions between the Holy Child Hospital Employees Labor Union and the management with the Department of Labor.

District officer Felizardo Calimpong of the Associated Labor Union-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines said the compromise agreement was signed by the management, represented by legal counsel, Franklin Esmena, administrator Sister Gloria Ebalio, and the nurse supervisor.

Signing for the independent union was its president, Noreen Nuico, vice president Jombi Patajo, and Calimpong.

Among the pertinent provisions of the agreement is for both parties to immediately withdraw all cases filed in court, either quasi or regular, relative to the notice of strike. The hospital management has also filed a case against the union with the National Labor Relations Commission on the implementation of the collective bargaining agreement.

Consequently, the notice of strike filed by the union due to alleged management interference and unfair labor practices was also dropped, in order to maintain a harmonious relationship with the management.

Calimpong said both parties have also agreed to respect an existing CBA that has not yet been registered with the Department of Labor for lack of mandatory provisions, and to expedite the processing of documents for its eventual registration. The Holy Child Hospital management also agreed to respect the decision of the union to affiliate with the ALU-TUCP.

The employees labor union has agreed not to interfere in the normal operations of the hospital,  as well as to  respect management prerogative and policies, unless personnel action is undertaken such as suspension, termination, and the like.*JG

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