PHILEX Mining Corp. said it will present a revised labor offer to its Padcal mine workers for another round of voting as discussions continue over a labor dispute at its Benguet operations.
In a disclosure to the stock exchange on Tuesday, Philex said the offer would include benefits under the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the Philex Padcal Rank-and-File Union, which is affiliated with the National Mines and Allied Workers Union (NAMAWU) Local 101.
“The company shall list and present its improved offer which shall include all the relevant and rightful benefits from the NAMAWU CBA,” Philex said.
The announcement followed a conciliation-mediation conference between company and union representatives on Oct. 12, held at the invitation of the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE).
Philex said the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), through its offices in the National Capital Region and the Cordillera Administrative Region, would prepare and administer the voting.
The company did not disclose the specific terms of its revised offer or the schedule of the vote.
“The company will continue to ensure the safe and orderly management and operation of the Padcal mine,” Philex said.
On Monday, Philex said mining and processing activities at Padcal were continuing despite a strike that began on Sunday amid the labor dispute.
The company said preliminary reports indicated that production and output levels on Sunday were close to normal, although its daily production report had yet to be finalized.
Philex is among the Philippine investments of Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd., which also has interests in Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and PLDT Inc.
Shares in Philex fell 1.28% to close at P10.84 apiece on Tuesday.
Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has an interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Alexandria Grace C. Magno
