The move of Felix Gepilga Jr., president of Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) Union of Rational Employees (CURE), of unilaterally filing a notice of strike before the National Conciliation and Mediation Board has been criticized by his fellow officers and members.
CURE vice president Marbie Cabardo said Gepilga, who was elected president on March 2, acted without consulting the other union officers, who only learned about what he did through social media posts.
“Felix Gepilga filed the notice of strike without informing me, the vice president and our other elected officers. He did not convene us or even ask for our input or discuss his decision to file it,” Cabardo said in an interview.
She accused the union president of making decisions based on personal motives, excluding other union officers from the process.
The unilateral approach of Gepilga has caused conflict within the union as Cabardo questioned the legitimacy of the notice.
Cabardo added that such a significant decision should have involved broader support from the union officers and members.
“I was hoping that he would convene us after winning and discuss this, but unfortunately, he did not and did not show respect to us as officers. As the vice president, I was not recognized, and the existing legitimate officers were not recognized,” she added.
Cabardo said that they are preparing legal action against Gepilga’s decision, emphasizing the need for the union’s direction to reflect the majority decision of the board and highlighting the importance of mutual respect and collaborative decision-making process.
She underscored the importance of effective communication and consultation within the union officers.
“The lack of transparency and consultation surrounding the strike notice has strained these core principles, raising questions about the union’s internal governance and the validity of the planned action,” Cabardo further said. ||
