The University of the Cordilleras (UC) Executive Council, led by President Nancy M. Flores, and the Kapatiran ng mga Empleyado ng University of the Cordilleras (KEUC) successfully concluded the renegotiation of the Labor Management Cooperation and the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

The smooth and successful negotiation was attributed by both parties to their strong Labor Management Cooperation. The CBA discussions were undertaken with the intention of preserving the ability of the University to continuously provide for its employees.

The approved renegotiated CBA grants improved benefits across the board, set to be effective from 2024 to 2025. Improvements include: enhanced retirement benefits, higher longevity pays, clothing allowances, signing bonuses, higher advisor honorariums, and the inclusion of two additional days of service incentive leave. The negotiation process demonstrated the formal engagement mechanism between the University leadership and the employees’ union.

This continuous negotiation process highlights mechanisms for both faculty and non-faculty employee representation under SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). This formal, successful negotiation confirms that the faculty and non-faculty employees’ union leadership serves as a representative body providing input regarding employee benefits and working conditions.