Workers prevented from going on strike in Dumaguete

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines - The National Labor Relations Commission in Central Visayas issued a temporary restraining order against striking port workers here. The workers, who are affiliated with the Associated Labor Union-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, were ordered "to cease and desist" from staging mass actions, picket or "strike". "Almost immediately after Prudential (Customs Brokerage Services, Inc.) has assumed its functions as cargo handler of the Port of Dumaguete, these workers unlawfully staged a mass action, obstructing the public entry and exit around the port," a three-page order by the NLRC in Cebu City read. The TRO issued by Commissioner Aurelio Menzon and presiding Commissioner Violeta Ortiz-Batug said the strikers showed force and actual threats to the petitioners. NLRC also believed that the strike has paralyzed the operation of the arrastre and stevedoring services resulting in "great damage and injury on the economy of Negros Oriental. It also said the protest action was an inconvenience to the public. A hearing for petition for injunction is set on April 10 at the NLRC office in Cebu City. - Sun.Star