Sumifru labor dispute resolved

A PEACEFUL settlement has been reached between 92 plantation workers from Compostela and Sumifru (Philippines) Corp. in a conciliation mediation sanctioned by the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) Region 11 (Davao Region) early this month.

In a single entry approach that is a settlement procedure of all labor issues brought forward by Nagkahiusang Mamumuo sa Suyapa Farms (Namasufa) PP90 leader Vicente Barrios to DoLE Region 11 Senior Labor Employment Officer (LEO) Isidrick Paqueo, the workers manifested their desire to claim separation pay in lieu of reinstatement, and to move forward in mutual agreement with Sumifru.

The claims are based on the ruling of the Supreme Court in the case of Sumifru (Philippines) Corp. and Namasufa, a labor union affiliated with the Kilusang Mayo Uno, which declared the workers of the labor group as regular employees of the agribusiness firm.

“In the presence of DOLE Davao de Oro provincial head Neil Allan Balsan, Senior LEO Pacqueo, LEO 3 Lym Ongoy, Sumifru Vendor Relations Manager Rommel R. Dilig, and Sumifru corporate lawyer Atty. Bernice Joana I. Pinol, all 92 bananaworkers voluntary received the separation pay and cash bonuses given out on the spot by Sumifru,” the company said.

Compostela Vice Mayor Levi Ebdao and Bravo Company Commander Lt. Artur Garidan of the Philippine Army welcomed the settlement between Sumifru and the workers as a significant development to local peace and order efforts as some of the Namasufa PP90 members are rebel-returnees from the New People’s Army. The rebel-returnees want to be reintegrated into society and become productive members of the Compostela community.

Sumifru is engaged in the sourcing, production, shipment and marketing of various fresh fruits, primarily the export of quality cavendish bananas, pineapple and papaya. It exports to China, Japan, South Korea, Middle East, New Zealand and Singapore.