Philex Mining settles with labor union on CBA dispute

Philex Mining Corp. has resolved a labor dispute with union workers at its Padcal mine site in Benguet, ending a days-long strike over a collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

The mining company, led by Manuel Pangilinan, informed the local bourse that it signed a settlement agreement with the National Mines and Allied Workers Union (NAMAWU Local 101) following a conciliation-mediation conference held on Wednesday.

“Upon the signing of the settlement agreement, the union shall immediately lift the strike. No retaliatory action shall be undertaken by both parties on each other on account of the labor dispute,” Philex Mining said on Thursday.

Both sides agreed to amicably settle their CBA covering the period Jan. 2, 2025, through Jan. 1, 2030.

Under the agreement, Philex Mining management will prepare the initial CBA draft by Oct. 19, subject to the union’s review.

The union will complete the assessment and submit its proposed revisions and inputs by Oct. 21. Both parties will discuss the creation of grievance machinery and procedures.

The finalized CBA will be signed on Oct. 26, followed by the ratification by union members on Oct. 30.

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Philex Mining earlier said union members at the mine site launched a strike over the weekend following a negotiation deadlock. This, after the union rejected Philex Mining’s latest offer on Sept. 22.

Despite the strike, Philex Mining had assured the investing public that mining and processing operations remained unhampered, and that certain measures were implemented to sustain operations across the firm.

The company earlier said only fewer than a hundred participants were at the picket lines, with its managers, supervisors and employees who did not participate in the strike taking over their duties.