On Labor Day, President Benigno Aquino 3rd once again trumpeted his administration’s efforts in successfully solving labor disputes.
In his Labor Day speech in Cebu, Aquino said the number of labor strikes in the country has significantly gone down since he assumed the presidency in 2010.
He said the 12 cases of labor strikes under his administration pale in comparison to the 259 labor strikes launched during the administration of former president Gloria Arroyo.
In 2010, only one labor protest was held, the lowest in the country’s history.
President Aquino was in Cebu to celebrate Labor Day and grace various activities, including the unveiling of the New Mill Facility Marker at CEMEX Philippines in the City of Naga.
Aquino, however, expressed concern on the ongoing labor dispute at the power plant of the Korean Electric Power Corp – Salcon Power Cor (Kepco-SPC), which is located in Naga City, Cebu, saying a possible power crisis in the Visayas could occur should an impending strike pushes through.
In an ambush interview, Aquino told Cebu reporters that he wants the current labor dispute to be settled peacefully through a dialogue between the concerned parties.
A group of workers from Kepco-SPC has been seeking recognition from the management, as it presses for the reinstatement of a supervisor who was terminated in March.
“It should be resolved in a peaceful and not disruptive way,” Aquino said.
The President pointed out that Kepco-SPC is a power producer.
“Power is important for the continued growth of the economy,” he said. “Especially in Cebu.”
If the strike pushes through, Aquino said that it will be the first in the region for the last decade.
He, however, expressed confidence that Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz will be able to find a way to solve the labor dispute by providing a win-win solution.