Philex Mining keeps Padcal mine running amid Benguet labor strike

Traders Union
All News
Financial News
Padcal mine runs amid strike

Highlights

Philex Mining reports Padcal mine production on Sunday was close to normal despite a 35% workforce absence due to a labor strike.
Fewer than 100 workers joined the NAMAWU-initiated strike as of Sunday and Monday, with the company offsetting shortages through extended shifts and managerial participation.
Collective bargaining negotiations continue between Philex, NAMAWU, and the National Conciliation and Mediation Board, as Philex maintains mine operations, safety, and environmental safeguards.

Padcal operations and strike response

As reported by BusinessWorld Online, Philex Mining said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Monday that mining and processing at its Padcal mine continue despite the strike that starts on Sunday.

The company says fewer than 100 workers are recorded at picket lines on Sunday and Monday. It adds that preliminary reports show Sunday production and output are close to normal, although its daily production report is not yet finalized.

Philex says workforce absence reaches 35% on Sunday, but it has not yet determined whether all employees who do not report for work are taking part in the strike. To keep the mine and mill running, it implements extended shifts, with managers, supervisors, and rank-and-file employees who report for work helping fill staffing needs.

Labor dispute and broader implications

The strike is initiated by the Philex National Mines and Allied Workers Union, or NAMAWU, amid a dispute over collective bargaining negotiations. In a statement on its Facebook page, the union calls for fair and sufficient wages to help workers cover household expenses including food, healthcare, and education.

Philex says negotiations with the union have been continuing before the National Conciliation and Mediation Board in the Cordillera Administrative Region, with guidance from its central office. The company also denies issuing a memorandum telling employees not to join the strike and says it respects workers' rights to organize and bargain collectively.

Philex says it will continue discussions with NAMAWU, the NCMB, and the Department of Labor and Employment to address the dispute. It adds that safety protocols, environmental safeguards, and mine management standards remain in place at the Padcal mine during the strike.

Philex is a Philippine affiliate of Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd., which also has investments in Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and PLDT Inc.

Our earlier article on PEZA’s call for industrial park upgrades highlighted how the agency wants zones nationwide to modernize telecommunications, utilities, logistics and related services to attract high-tech manufacturers and technology-led investors. We noted that PEZA sees coordination between private developers and local governments as key to improving site competitiveness and supporting a broader shift toward higher-value, more sustainable industries in the Philippines.

This material may contain third-party opinions, none of the data and information on this webpage constitutes investment advice according to our Disclaimer. While we adhere to strict Editorial Integrity, this post may contain references to products from our partners.