THE management of logistics company J&T Express has belied the claim that some 10,000 of the company’s labor union members nationwide “may go on strike” after a last-ditch effort to negotiate failed to resolve a long-standing labor dispute.
The “some 10,000 employees mentioned in the headline is false and is clearly trying to get the public’s attention,” said VP for J&T global Zoe Chi in a statement sent to The Manila Times, referring to a story that came out on Nov. 26, 2024.
But Federation of Free Workers (FFW) President Sonny Matula, who also stands as the counsel for the United Rank-and-File Employees of J&T Express (URFE J&T Express), an affiliate of the federation, maintained the workers’ position to go on strike, adding that another meeting between J&T management and the workers’ union has been scheduled by the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB).
“Some 10,000 workers are affected. We are scheduled for another negotiation with the NCMB,” Matula told The Manila Times.
The failed negotiation mediated by the NCMB was held last week, but the group said that more than 10 hours of marathon discussions ended in disagreement.
The workers have accused the firm of illegal dismissal and of violating occupational safety and health standards violations, among others.
On Nov. 4, the union conducted a strike vote, which garnered overwhelming support from its members. The results were submitted to the NCMB on Nov. 15 as required by law.
“All legal requirements — including the notice of strike, cooling-off period, strike vote, and submission — have been met, making the strike legally authorized. We can now go on strike,” said union president Ferdinand Cusi in a statement.
The union members who will go on strike include drivers, truck assistants, and workers from transporter units operating 6-wheeler and 10-wheeler trucks, as well as processing staff, commonly known as sorters.
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