Lepanto Consolidated Mining Co. (LCMC) and the Lepanto Local Staff Union (LLSU) have signed their 15th Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), concluding negotiations in less than a month after only two meetings.
The agreement was signed at the Baguio Country Club in Baguio City, with the company saying the negotiations demonstrated that labor and management can reach consensus quickly through good faith, transparency and mutual respect.
Lepanto Vice President for Human Resources and Administration Knestor Jose Y. Godino said the swift negotiations reflected the strong relationship between management and the union.
He described the process as moving at the "speed of trust," noting that both parties were able to find common ground that supports the company's long-term stability while ensuring fair treatment, dignity and improved welfare for employees and their families.
President and Chief Operating Officer Bryan Spencer U. Yap emphasized that management and labor share a common goal of securing the company's future.
Quoting the company's slogan, "Es-esa Tako," Yap thanked union leaders for representing employees throughout the negotiations and said the new agreement reflects the company's continued commitment to workplace safety, job security and employee well-being.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by officials from the Department of Labor and Employment–Cordillera Administrative Region (DOLE-CAR), the National Conciliation and Mediation Board–Cordillera Administrative Region (NCMB-CAR), company executives and union representatives.
Among those present were DOLE-CAR Regional Director Jesus Elpidio B. Atal Jr., NCMB-CAR Regional Branch Director Atty. Ronda T. Doctor-Malimban, LLSU President Ariel F. Candelario, LLSU legal counsel Atty. Frenzel Ayong, General Manager and Administrative Group Manager Rolando D. Ursua, Finance Services Group Manager Charisma Pascua, Human Resources Head Nelson L. Baguya II and Legal Officer Atty. Philip Ray Ameling.
Founded in 1936, Lepanto Consolidated Mining is one of the Philippines' longest-operating mining companies and is listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange. The company operates the Lepanto Mine in Mankayan, Benguet, where it produces gold, silver and copper concentrates through underground mining. Over the years, Lepanto has been recognized as one of the country's major gold producers while maintaining environmental management, community development and worker welfare programs in its host communities.
With the 15th CBA now in effect, LCMC and the LLSU said they remain committed to implementing the agreement and maintaining industrial peace, operational excellence and shared prosperity for the company's workforce and their families.
