CENECO Union Officers Do Not Support Notice of Strike

Talks of a strike by CENECO employees have been circulating on social media, raking in different reactions from netizens. These were picked up by different news agencies as well. This followed after the Negros Power franchise application reached the Senate and gained the support of Sen. Grace Poe. However, according to a press release from CENECO Union officers, they do not support or endorse any notice of a strike.

Marbie Cabardo, the Vice President of the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO) Union of Rational Employees (CURE), expressed disappointment with the union President Felix Gepilga Jr.‘s decision to unilaterally file a notice of strike without consulting the union’s officers.

• Read: What Happens After Approval of the Negros Power Franchise in Congress

In an interview, Cabardo revealed that neither she nor any other union officers were informed about the decision to file a notice of strike. They only learned about it through widely circulated social media posts.

Cabardo criticized Gepilga’s actions, accusing him of making decisions based on personal motives and excluding other union officers from the process. She stated, “Felix Gepilga filed the notice of strike without informing me as the Vice President and our elected officers. He did not convene us or even ask for our input or discuss his decision to file it.”

This unilateral approach by Gepilga has caused conflicts within the union, with Cabardo questioning the legitimacy of the notice filed with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). She believes that such a significant decision should have involved broader support from the CENECO union officers and members.

• Related: CENECO Employees Urged to Apply at Negros Power

“I was hoping that he would convene us after winning and discuss this, but unfortunately, he did not convene us and did not show respect to us as officers. As the Vice President, I was not recognized, and the existing legitimate officers were not recognized,” Cabardo added.

NO to a Strike and Legal Repercussions

In response to Gepilga’s actions, many union members and officers have opposed the proposed strike. Their concerns primarily revolve around the potential negative impact on member-consumers in Bacolod City and Central Negros. Plus, there is a lack of clarity on the key issues and a preference for resolving the underlying problems with the CENECO board through alternative channels.

Cabardo also revealed that they are preparing legal actions against Gepilga’s decisions, emphasizing the need for the union’s direction to reflect the majority decision of the board, as this would highlight the importance of mutual respect and a collaborative decision-making process. Moreover, she underscored the importance of effective communication and consultation among the CENECO union officers.

“The lack of transparency and consultation surrounding the strike notice has strained these core principles, raising questions about the union’s internal governance and the validity of the planned action”, Cabardo further said.