No strike will push through at the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA and P) after the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) assumed jurisdiction over the labor dispute between the university and two of its unions.
According to a DOLE order obtained by the BusinessMirror, Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma said the move was necessary to prevent the disruption of classes and other academic operations while collective bargaining negotiations remain unresolved.
‘The strike would inevitably undermine this important role of the University. It would hinder the University’s ability to deliver its academic programs and fulfill institutional commitments, and delay students in completing their academic requirements. Moreover, any disruption in the University’s operations would significantly affect its 325 employees and their families, whose livelihoods rely on the continuous and stable functioning of the institution,’ Laguesma said.
The UA and P Union of Faculty Members (UA and PUFM) and the UA and P Union of Allied Employees (UA and PUAE)-representing rank-and-file academic and non-teaching personnel-had earlier moved closer to a strike after months of stalled collective bargaining talks (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/10/27/uap-unions-move-closer-to-strike/.)
Negotiations reached a deadlock in June, and by October 24, both unions had already filed their strike-vote reports before the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB).
Union leaders said management failed to present a new counteroffer during mediation, prompting them to push forward with a strike over unresolved issues on salary and promotion structures, and benefits.
Under the Assumption of Jurisdiction (AJ) order, both unions are required to maintain the status quo and suspend all strike-related activities, while the university administration is prohibited from declaring a lockout.
DOLE’s Legal Service and the NCMB were also directed to hold an initial conference on November 13 to facilitate conciliation.
Union leaders said they will comply with DOLE’s directive but vowed to continue asserting their demands through the legal process.
‘Now, our fight moves from the streets to the Office of the DOLE Secretary. We are confident that the DOLE Secretary will see the reasonableness of our demands,’ they added.