The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued an Assumption of Jurisdiction Order over the labor dispute between Xavier University and XU Non-Teaching Employees Union (XUNTELU), an affiliate of ALU-TUCP.
The DOLE Order, issued on Wednesday, March 16, has an immediate effect of enjoining any intended or existing strike, lockout, or concerted actions by the parties.
“We are grateful that DOLE has recognized the importance of the University as an educational institution, and that any disruption in our operations will prejudice our learners and the general public,” XU President Fr Mars Tan SJ said.
DOLE cited in its Order that any work stoppage in the University would result “not only to the loss of means of living but also the unavailability of the much-needed educational services to the prejudice of its clients, particularly the students, and the public in general.”
The said order, signed by DOLE Acting Secretary Philip Paredes, added: “At this point, it is worthy to note that when efforts of the government are largely focused on preserving the economic gains already achieved and ensuring that employment levels are maintained and even enhanced, it is the utmost concern of this Office to avoid work stoppages, particularly so when there are alternative mechanisms in place to resolve the parties’ differences.”
The labor dispute between the XU management and XUNTELU involving the separation of two employees is now subject to “immediate compulsory arbitration” before the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC).
In an earlier memo of Fr Mars released on Monday, March 14, he said that the XU management will continue to “work hard for the resolution of this issue and the healing of broken relationships — all in the service of our educational mission.”
“As part of Xavier Ateneo’s identity as a Filipino, Catholic, and Jesuit University, we aim to promote a healthy and harmonious labor-management relationship, where XU employees can flourish and whose rights are upheld,” the XU President said.
Fr Mars also expressed his gratitude towards the XU community members who continue to trust the school administrators to lead the university in the midst of a global pandemic and financial challenges.
“It is with fervent prayers that this labor dispute between the University and XUNTELU will immediately be resolved as we move forward toward a better Xavier Ateneo which is the mission primarily entrusted to us.”