PHILEX MINING Corp. said mining and processing operations at its Padcal mine in Benguet continued on Monday despite a workers’ strike that began a day earlier over a labor dispute.
In a disclosure responding to an inquiry from the Philippine Stock Exchange on Monday, the company said fewer than 100 workers were recorded at picket lines on Sunday and Monday.
“So far, mining and processing operations have continued and remained unhampered,” Philex said.
The company said preliminary reports showed that production and output levels on Sunday were close to normal, although it had yet to finalize its daily production report.
Philex reported a 35% workforce absence rate on Sunday but said it had yet to determine whether all employees who did not report for work were participating in the strike.
The company said it implemented extended shifts at its mine and mill to maintain operations, with managers, supervisors, and rank-and-file employees who reported for work helping address staffing requirements.
The strike was initiated by the Philex National Mines and Allied Workers Union (NAMAWU) on Sunday amid a dispute over collective bargaining negotiations.
In a statement posted on its Facebook page, NAMAWU called for “fair and sufficient wages” to help workers meet household expenses, including food, healthcare, and education.
Philex said negotiations between management and the union had been ongoing before the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) in the Cordillera Administrative Region, with guidance from its central office.
The company also denied issuing a memorandum directing employees not to participate in the strike.
“No such memorandum was issued by company management,” Philex said.
The company said it respects workers’ rights to organize and bargain collectively.
Philex said it would continue discussions with NAMAWU, the NCMB, and the Department of Labor and Employment to address the labor dispute.
The company also said existing safety protocols, environmental safeguards, and mine management standards would remain in place at the Padcal mine during the strike.
Philex is a Philippine affiliate of Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd., which also has investments in Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and PLDT Inc.
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