Philex Padcal workers to vote on deal that could end labor dispute after 3 days of strike

TUBA, Benguet — Striking workers of Philex Mining Corporation’s Padcal copper-gold mine will vote on Wednesday, October 14, on an improved wage and benefits offer that could end their three-day strike over a stalled collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

The referendum, to be supervised by the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), follows mediated negotiations between management and the National Mines and Allied Workers Union (NAMAWU) Local 101, which reportedly resulted in an improved offer.

The union began its strike on Sunday, October 11, after negotiations for a 2025-2027 CBA stalled over wages and benefits. The walkout was originally scheduled for October 13 but was moved up by union leaders to prevent participating members from being marked absent without official leave.

The dispute centers on the union’s demand for a ₱30 daily wage increase and mandatory midyear and year-end bonuses. Management had offered a ₱26 daily increase, with additional pay tied to production.

The NCMB central office in Manila intervened after the strike began and facilitated conciliation-mediation conferences between the two parties. The resulting offer will be submitted to union members for a vote on October 14.

The referendum follows an earlier strike vote on September 22, when 757 of the 863 participating union members voted in favor of proceeding with a strike.

Despite the walkout, operations at the Padcal mine remained normal, according to the information provided. Management said the facility gates remained open and striking workers were marked as “excused,” rather than absent.

The October 14 vote will determine whether union members accept the improved offer and whether the labor dispute can be resolved.

Timeline of the strike

September 22: Union members voted on whether to proceed with a strike; 757 of 863 participants voted in favor.

October 11: The strike began, after being moved up from the originally scheduled October 13 date.

After October 11: The NCMB facilitated negotiations, resulting in a reportedly improved management offer.

October 14: Union members are scheduled to vote on whether to accept the offer.