The new arrastre and stevedoring company at the Dumaguete City port is willing to accommodate port workers of a former firm, subject to the legal screening as provided in a contract, the legal counsel of Prudential Brokerage and Customs Services Inc. said in a statement yesterday.

Joel Obar, counsel for PBCSI, issued the statement in the wake of the notice of strike filed by port union members, if all of them will not be absorbed by the new arrastre company.

Obar clarified that the PBCSI has opened the opportunity for port workers but they have to go through a screening process. The company will also review its financial status for sustainability, so as not to jeopardize its operation, Obar added.

Earlier, the court  ordered that the PBCSI absorb the union members, subject to the screening process.

The court added that the new company cannot extend provisions of a collective bargaining agreement with the workers’ previous employer, because the porters have to bargain with their new employer for a CBA.

The port workers, however, said they are filing a motion for reconsideration and will cite the terms in a memorandum of agreement providing that all of them should  be absorbed.

 Meanwhile, new PPA port manager Renato Tolinero said, they went on with the turnover of port arrestre service Tuesday upon orders from their central office.

All laborers and port workers who had legitimate business inside the port were allowed entry. If they have no purpose at all, they had no business inside, Tolinero added.

Upon his assumption last week, Tolinero  instituted a rerouting scheme for pedestrians and vehicles, segregating the pathway for pedestrians and vehicles for smooth port operation and safety of passengers.*JG

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