USA union goes on strike; might face suit

By Ronilo L. Pamonag

Members of the University of San Agustin Employees Union begun their second strike yesterday morning.

This is despite the interventions by church and government officials.

Theodore Neil Lasola, president of the USAEU, formally announced their strike at exactly 9:36 a.m. over Aksyon Radyo-Iloilo, vowing they would only end their strike if their demands are met or there is a return to work order.

Reporters tried to reach Fr. Manuel Vergara, university president, for his comment; but a security guard said that he is in Metro Manila.

But The News Today was able to talk to lawyer Sabino Padilla III, the university's counsel, over the phone.

He said that those behind the strike run the risk of a court action if the operations of the university are affected.

The latest unrest stemmed from the dismissal of the 22 officers of the union, which included Lasola, effective last month.

Lawyer Sabino Padilla III, counsel for the school administration, justified the termination, explaining that the Court of Appeals has ruled that the Union's strike two years ago was illegal and so the school can now terminate the officers.

“The University of San Agustin is not engaged in union busting; it is but obeying the decision of the Court of Appeals,” Padilla said.

But the Union is arguing that the CA decision is not executory as there is still a pending motion for reconsideration.

Classes still continue

Even as union members started to mass outside the school, The News Today observed that some teachers were still having classes, seemingly oblivious to Lasola's declaration.

Lasola accused the school administration of intimidating and threatening their members of termination should they join the strike.

He said that the administration issued a statement containing veiled threats against Union members intending to join the work stoppage.

“That is intimidation and interfering with Union matters, and is an unfair labor practice, which can be a cause for a strike,” Lasola stressed.

'No stopping'

They, Lasola vowed, would only end their strike if they are reinstated; Vergara is removed as president; or if Labor Sec. Patricia Sto. Tomas issues a return to work order.

Last Sunday, they held a prayer rally in front of the school in was it seen as a last ditch effort to 'soften' Vergara's tough stand again compromise.

For the past two weeks, Union officers asked for the assistance of Justice Sec. Raul Gonzalez Sr., Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, Iloilo Gov. Niel Tupas Sr., Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas and Department Of Labor and Employment Regional Director Carlos Boteros.

All these turned out negative, Lasola said.