UA&P assures no class disruption despite employee strike

UA&P Confirms Classes Will Continue Despite Potential Strike

The University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) has assured students and parents that classes and campus operations will continue even if the faculty and staff unions proceed with a strike next week. The university emphasized its commitment to maintaining academic continuity and the well-being of its community.

In a statement released on Wednesday, October 29, UA&P confirmed that the UA&P Union of Faculty Members (UA&PUFM) and the UA&P Union of Allied Employees (UA&PUAE) submitted their strike vote to the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) on October 24. This marks the start of a seven-day cooling-off period, which means the earliest possible date for a strike is November 1, 2025.

The two unions together consist of 14 faculty members and 44 administrative staff, according to UA&P management. The university highlighted that it remains focused on protecting the learning experience of students and ensuring the stability of the entire UA&P community. It also mentioned that contingency measures are in place to sustain normal operations and prevent disruptions in academic progress.

UA&P stated that it has engaged in good-faith negotiations throughout the collective bargaining process. The management accepted most of the unions’ non-economic proposals, including some that have financial implications. Additionally, the university made substantial counteroffers within its financial capacity.

The institution emphasized its appreciation for the contributions of every member of the community. It described its compensation and benefits package as fair and equitable, citing several key benefits such as free education for employees’ dependents, continuing education opportunities, comprehensive leave privileges, and reduced teaching loads for faculty.

However, UA&P also expressed its inability to accept demands that could jeopardize the university’s financial sustainability or long-term mission. The school maintains that its decisions are guided by fairness, prudence, and a commitment to quality education.

This announcement follows nearly a week of tension after the two UA&P unions revealed that nearly 90% of their members voted to strike following months of stalled negotiations. The unions claimed that management did not present any new counteroffer during a mediation meeting on October 24, prompting them to file the strike vote report with the NCMB.

Earlier, the unions criticized UA&P’s last proposal, which included converting free meals into a P6,600 annual cash allowance and implementing a 1 to 2 percent salary increase over three years. They argued that this offer was insufficient given the rising cost of living. In response, the university maintained that salaries are already above industry standards and that personnel costs make up a significant portion of its tuition revenue.

In August, UA&P management told Philstar.com that personnel expenses account for 74 percent of the university’s tuition income, which is higher than the 52 percent benchmark cited from other private universities.

Both faculty and staff unions described the planned strike as a “last resort” after years of stagnant pay and repeated delays in negotiations. The UA&PUFM represents rank-and-file teaching staff, while the UA&PUAE covers administrative and non-teaching employees.

As of now, both unions have not yet announced a specific date for the strike.

Key Points of the Dispute

• Strike Vote Submission: Both unions submitted their strike vote to the NCMB, initiating a seven-day cooling-off period.
• Membership Numbers: The unions collectively represent 14 faculty members and 44 administrative staff.
• Contingency Measures: UA&P has prepared plans to ensure continued academic operations.
• Negotiations: The university claims to have engaged in good-faith negotiations and accepted most of the unions’ proposals.
• Compensation Package: The university highlights its fair and equitable benefits, including free education for dependents and reduced teaching loads.
• Financial Constraints: UA&P states that it cannot accept demands that threaten its financial sustainability.
• Union Criticism: The unions argue that the university’s offers do not reflect the current cost of living.
• Personnel Costs: Personnel expenses make up a large share of the university’s tuition revenue.
• Strike as Last Resort: Both unions view the strike as a final option after years of stalled negotiations.