The Silliman University Faculty Association (SUFA) is a duly-registered and independent workers union composed of academic personnel of Silliman University.
Academic personnel in Silliman University includes teachers in Basic Education (Early Childhood, Elementary School, Junior High School, and Senior High School), and college instructors in tertiary education, librarians, and guidance counselors.
By virtue of a certification election in 1982, SUFA has been recognized as the sole and exclusive bargaining representative of the academic personnel in Silliman University.
On Nov. 18, 2024, SUFA’s filing of a Notice of Strike was received by the National Conciliation & Mediation Board-Region VII. This was after SUFA declared the negotiation for the Supplemental Agreement of the Collective Bargaining Agreement 2021-2026 a deadlock. The negotiation for the Supplemental Agreement covers the remaining two years (2024–2026).
According to NCMB’s Manual of Procedures, a bargaining deadlock refers to a situation in collective bargaining negotiations wherein parties have not reached a mutually-acceptable settlement.
In this particular negotiation, SUFA declared a deadlock because of Unfair Labor Practice due to bad faith negotiation committed by the Silliman University administration. The SU Administration Panel negotiated in bad faith because of their hardline position on using the 70 percent of Tuition Fee Increment Proceeds as the sole basis of the negotiation, instead of the University’s audited financial statements.
Thereafter on Dec. 6, 2024, SUFA held a strike vote. In a resounding expression of full trust and confidence on the SUFA Negotiating Panel, and in support of the Union’s demands, SUFA members registered a YES vote to exercise our constitutional right to stage a work stoppage or STRIKE when deemed necessary.
With a vote of 232 for YES versus 2 for No, SUFA members believe that the filing of the Notice of Strike is reasonable, justifiable, and necessary in light of the current labor situation at Silliman University.
In the name, and for the sake, of public interest, this Statement is issued to invite local and national media practitioners for a Press Conference to discuss further this issue that concerns the general interest and welfare of all stakeholders of Silliman University in particular, and the state of education of the country in general, on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, 9:30 a.m. at Bethel Guest House, Dumaguete City.
Jonathan Mark Te
President, SUFA
