A group of porters in Dumaguete City  declared a strike yesterday, after the new cargo handling operator did not absorb all of them, and instead required them to undergo legal screening as provided in a contract.

Vice president Supriano Sabanal of the ALU-TUCP said they declared a strike because the union members who were not accepted opposed the screening process by the new operator, Prudential Customs Brokerage Services Inc.

However, porters filed a motion for reconsideration on the grounds stipulated in a memorandum of agreement providing that all of them should be hired.

The PCBSI is now in-charge of cargo handling and porterage activities at the port of Dumaguete, after almost two years of waiting due to the resistance of ALU-TUCP-backed union members.

PCBSI lawyer Joel Obar had clarified, their company has opened its doors for the remaining 31 port workers to undergo the regular screening process as new applicants, just like in any other organization.

Obar reiterated the position of PCBSI on its planned hiring of the remaining port workers, so that the company will also review its financial status for sustainability, so as not to jeopardize their operation.

The assumption of the new cargo handling operator went on smoothly before midnight last night, even as a small disturbance were noted along the perimeter of the Philippine Ports Authority.

The police in Dumaguete responded to a call for assistance when unidentified persons stoned the pier area.*RG

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