Philippine bank unions rejoining trade group

MANILA(Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 29, 2012) – The Philippines’ largest federation of labor groups in the financial services sector – the National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE) – to rejoin Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP).

This, after the TUCP headed by Ernesto Herrera convinced NUBE to return to its fold after it broke away with the organization then under Democrito Mendoza due to “the undemocratic and family-motivated interests” of its former president.

Herrera emerged TUCP president via succession, following the resignation of the 89-year-old Mendoza. Herrera previously held the post of TUCP secretary-general.

NUBE national president Jose Umali, Jr. said they accepted Hererra’s invitation for them to return to TUCP’s fold.

In a letter to Herrera, Umali said: “We have waited for so long to see the end of the Mendozafamily-controlled TUCP, which was the very reason why NUBE distanced itself (from TUCP).”

Umali said TUCP and the labor movement “suffered far too long under 35 years of Mendoza’s leadership.”

“Thus, it is with great joy that we welcome your ascendancy as TUCP president, and expect that this will usher in a new dawn for the labor movement. NUBE supports you in your bold and courageous decision to take the reins of TUCP,” he said.

Umali, one of the national labor leaders designated by President Benigno Aquino III to serve on the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council, also told Herrera that NUBE “will gladly accept your invitation to return to TUCP by way of reactivating our membership, upon approval by the TUCP board.”