The administration of Silliman University in Dumaguete City reiterated Friday it respects the rights of faculty even as it prepares for a strike by the Silliman University Faculty Association (SUFA).
Mark Raygan Garcia, Information & Publications director of Silliman University, in a telephone interview Friday afternoon also gave the assurance to students and parents of “continuing learning” if the faculty decides to abandon their classes.
The SU administration had anticipated a strike by SUFA members beginning Monday, July 5.
So far, the SUFA has filed a notice of strike for failure of negotiations on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement with the University.
The 280-strong faculty union earlier voted to go on strike. Of the 190 votes cast, 99 percent or 189 faculty members voted yes to go on strike; one was a spoiled vote.
“Classes this week have been uninterrupted. Our colleagues remain prepared to fulfill our collective commitment to our students and their parents,” the SU administration said in a statement Friday.
Garcia stressed the administration is hopeful and optimistic of a peaceful resolution of issues on the CBA “in a manner that is most beneficial to the faculty, their present and future security of jobs and incentives, and to all other constituencies and services of the University”.
In the event of a faculty strike, Garcia said the administration is committed to “maintaining sufficient opportunities for peaceful and professional conduct. Of paramount concern are our students and our ability to fulfill our mandate and obligation to them.” (Judy Partlow)
