Sacked workers file complaint vs Dolefil

REPORT FROM BUSINESSWORLD POLOMOLOK, SOUTH COTABATO — Pineapple giant Dole Philippines, Inc. (Dolefil) is on fire for alleged labor violations after it terminated two ranking officials of the employees’ union. Florentino Beghanilum, vice-chairman for internal affairs of the Asosasyon sa mga Mamumuo sa Dole Alang sa Kalinaw Demokratikong Nasud, and Edmundo Velonero, union treasurer, filed a complaint before the National Labor Relations Commission on Monday against the firm. "The management illegally terminated us. The move is labor busting and we are fighting for our rights," Mr. Beghanilum told BusinessWorld on Tuesday morning at their office here. He added they are willing to withdraw their complaint if the company reinstates them. In a press statement sent by Dolefil to BusinessWorld before noontime on Tuesday, Kevin Davis, Dolefil managing director, said the company respects the decision of the duo in filing a complaint with the labor relations commission. Messrs. Beghanilum and Velonero violated the company’s rules when they repeatedly incurred absences without permission (AWOP) totaling 71 days and 64 days, respectively, in a short span of seven months, Mr. Davis added. "Despite several earlier warnings they continued to repeatedly violate the rules by insisting to be absent from work. Eventually, they were again found guilty, after due process, of committing AWOPs, which is now tantamount to gross and habitual neglect of duties," Mr. Davis said. But Mr. Beghanilum said they earned the ire of the management after they took a hard stance during the collective bargaining agreement negotiations with the firm in 2006. He added they have not incurred absences since they filed union leaves, explaining that the company has allowed union members to avail of 1,000 days of collective leaves annually. "But the company claimed the union members have already utilized the leave credit allowed to us," Mr. Beghanilum said. In a letter dated Sept. 11, 2007, Robert Buranday, Dolefil industrial relations manager, notified Mr. Beghanilum "with regret" that the latter was found guilty of violating company rules and a section of the Labor Code. "In view of this, your employment shall be terminated for cause effective the close of the business hours on Sept. 13, 2007, or upon receipt thereof, whichever comes first," the letter said. Mr. Buranday added that Mr. Beghanilum’s retirement benefits as well as vacation leave credits were forfeited. Mr. Beghanilum estimated that his retirement benefits could reach P800,000, having worked for the company for 32 years. Mr. Velonero has also served the company for the same amount of time, Mr. Beghanilum added. The National Labor Relations Commission has set the hearing for the case filed by the duo against Dolefil on Feb. 22 in General Santos City, the union members said. "We are confident that the case will be resolved justly and fairly [in our favor]," Mr. Davis said. — Romer S. Sarmiento/BusinessWorld