Tension at a banana plantation in Compestela Valley was averted after both parties agreed to wait for the final resolution of the case pending before the National Labor Relation (NLRC).
SUMIFRU Philippines led a resolution of impending labor commotion Tuesday in Compostela, Compostela Valley.
The NAMASUFA-NAFLU-KMU, the labor organization of workers in Compostela, mobilized its members to the five packing plants of SUMIFRU Philippines in anticipation for the implementation of the writ of execution issued on July 29 by the NLRC 8th Division based in Cagayan de Oro City to reinstate the terminated workers of Packing Plant 220 in Barangay Siocon, Compostela.
But lawyers of SUMIFRU filed on August 2 a motion to quash the writ of execution before the NLRC on August 2.
The termination of the workers was based on the order of NLRC against illegal strike filed by the service providers of SUMIFRU in October 2018.
At least 100 labor group members were staging demonstration at the five packing plants, which were not included in the order.
Through the district office of SUMIFRU in Compostela, a conference was called to discuss the merit of the case. Present during the conference was the sheriff assigned to execute the order, officers of the service providers, who are the employers of the terminated workers, and officers of NAMASUFA-NAFLU-KMU.
“The timely intercession of SUMIFRU was necessary and relevant to preserve industrial peace and avoid disruption of operations”, said Eric Tubo, the community development officer of SUMIFRU.
During the conference, the details of the writ of execution and the motion to quash was discussed. All parties agreed, through the cordial intervention of SUMIFRU officers, to wait for the final resolution of the case before action for reinstatement will be executed.
The officers of NAMASUFA-NAFLU-KMU agreed to disperse its members from the premises of the packing plants and respect the rule of law by abiding to due process.
In reaction to well-managed conflict resolution, Compostela Valley Gov. Jayvee Tyron Uy said, “Today we saw our laws and institutions in action. I would like to commend the National Labor Relation Commission (through the Sheriff) for observing the right to due process of both parties. It is also worth noting that both parties remained calm and civil all through out this whole legal process.”
As of 12 noon, normal operations of the packing plants resumed.
On Thursday, SUMIFRU launched a livelihood program aimed to help 450 displaced workers of their service providers.
Also that day, SUMIFRU was awarded by the town government for its contribution to the municipality.
