Around 400 Philex Mining workers strike over wage dispute in Benguet

Around 400 underground and surface employees of Philex Mining Corp. at the Padcal mine in Tuba, Benguet, walked off the job on Oct. 11 after negotiations with management broke down. The work stoppage began between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m., following a Sept. 22 referendum in which 757 of 863 voting union members authorized a strike. After completing the mandatory seven-day cooling-off period on Oct. 8, the National Mines and Allied Workers Union rejected a variable-wage offer tied to ore production, with union president Allan Sagun citing inflation as the driver for higher wages.

The strike was moved up two days to avoid potential disciplinary action after management warned employees not to join a planned Oct. 13 walkout. Labor group KMU Cordillera also backed the action, condemning the company's offer as inadequate. Philex Mining said it respects the right to organize, will continue operations with managers, supervisors and willing workers, and remains committed to good-faith dialogue through the National Conciliation and Mediation Board.