Supervisors of telecommunications giant PLDT took to the streets on Monday, launching simultaneous nationwide noise barrage protests to condemn management’s alleged delay in Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations.
The protests, led by Gabay ng Unyon sa Telekomunikasyon ng mga Superbisor (GUTS), highlight growing frustration among the roughly 4,000 supervisors covered by the bargaining unit.
Union leaders claim that since negotiations began in November 2025, the company has failed to provide substantial counteroffers regarding wages and benefits.
Union officer Noel Canseco emphasized that the demand for higher pay is a necessity driven by the current economic climate, citing inflation and global instability.
“Ginigiit lang po naming mga manggagawang bisor ng PLDT ay ang makatarungang sahod at benepisyo. So, sa ngayon po, hindi namin po nakikita ’yon. Walang binibigay na tugon na maganda, positibo ang aming management.”
“Kaya nagdadaos po kami ng ganitong sama-samang pagkilos upang maipakita namin ang aming pagkadisgusto sa binibigay ng management.”
The union is pushing for a “living wage” and enhanced medical coverage for dependents, noting that the financial burden on employees has worsened due to rising fuel costs linked to international conflicts.
“Ngayon nga po sabi sa balita, iyong mga ordinary goods natin, tumaas na rin po ngayon. So, lalo na po ngayon, may krisis po ng gyera sa Middle East. Napakalaki po ng epekto sa atin dito sa Pilipinas.”
GUTS also criticized a shift in the negotiation style, claiming management has moved away from the efficient, proposal-by-proposal discussions of previous years in favor of a “framework” approach that has stalled progress.
“Medyo kakaiba po ang naging proseso ngayon ng aming pagne-negotiate. Hindi kagaya ng mga previous three cycles. Talagang natatapos po sa lamesa.”
“At ang bawat proposal po namin, ay nagkakaroon ng positibong tugon sa aming kaharap na management. So ngayon po, hindi po nila nilalatag na gano’n. Kumbaga, kabuuan po ang kanilang ginagawang pagne-negotiate sa amin. Iyong sinasabi naming framework negotiation.”
Negotiations are set to resume on May 15, with the union warning of continued collective action if no favorable counteroffer is presented.