UP Academic Employees Clinch First CNA; Workers Get their Third

Principles, benefits

The new CNA upholds the rights of workers, REPS and faculty members to a living wage, security of tenure, career development, good working conditions, free movement and right to organization, right to strike, right against any form of discrimination and the right to be consulted on matters affecting the rank-and-file workers and academic personnel.

Economic benefits include three sacks of rice per year at P1,500 per sack ($31.178 at the current exchange rate of $1=P48.11); P 1,000 ($20.785) grocery allowance and P10,000 ($207.856) CNA incentive or signing bonus.

Committees were also formed to look into the implementation of the hazard pay and the provision on comprehensive medical insurance.

Rank-and-file faculty, REPS and workers are also entitled to three (3) days sick leave and a maximum of six (6) days of special leave privileges every year. Nursing mothers are also entitled to a two-day leave.

Centennial

Roman said the signing of the two CNA has made the celebration of the UP Centennial more meaningful and historical.

She said she considers the faculty and staff as the most important assets of the university. “Natutuwa ako, kahit may nagra-rally dito sa Quezon Hall buwan-buwan, tayo naman ay nagkakasundo. Kung nakikita nating dapat lamang, hinahanapan natin ng paraan.” (I am happy that even if there is a rally here at Quezon Hall every month, we manage to arrive at an agreement. If we see that it is right, we find the means to fulfill it.)


Roman and AUWU President Arnulfo Anoos sign the CNA. (Photo by R. Olea)

Militant unionism

Palaganas said it took them one-and-a half years to clinch the CNA with the UP administration. “Napatunayan nating muli na walang hindi maaatim sa sama-samang pagkilos,” (We have proven once again that nothing is impossible to achieve when we are united.) she said.

Anoos said, “Kung hindi sa patuloy na pagkilos, hindi ito magtatagumpay. Nasa kamay ng mga kawani, mga faculty at REPS ang kahihinatnan ng ating CNA.” (If not for our continuous action, we would not have succeeded. What would come out of the CNA is in the hands of the employees, faculty and REPs.)

Meanwhile, Ferdinand Gaite, national president of the Confederation for the Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE) said the CNA of the two UP unions is a success of the sector of government workers.

Gaite said, “The COURAGE is in solidarity with the workers, faculty and REPS of UP and rest assured, we will continue to monitor the implementation of the two CNAs.”

Antonio Tinio, national chairperson of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) also witnessed the signing of the two CNAs. He welcomed the signing of the CNA between the All-UP Academic Employees Union and the UP administration. “For so long, the academic employees have been lagging behind. That has already been corrected. Their CNA can be considered as among the most advanced in the country.”

Tinio added, “Ito ay mahalagang ambag sa pagpapalakas ng unyonismo sa hanay ng akademya sa buong bansa.” (This is a significant contribution to the strengthening of unionism within the ranks of the academe in the whole country.)(Bulatlat.com)

Share This Post