A COALITION of UST labor groups is seeking a dialogue with the University rector to discuss the status of faculty members who were barred from teaching in the first term because of their failure to comply with the much-criticized Manila health permit requirement.
In a letter to Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., the Organisasyon ng Nagkakaisang Empleyado-UST (ONE-UST) said it is ready to discuss the developments on the health permit policy, including the next step for non-tenured instructors who did not receive appointment letters due to non-compliance with City Ordinance 8793.
“[W]e recall your commitment to maintain dialogue with affected sectors within the university. We are ready to meet with you to discuss the operational implications of the policy change, as our colleagues will require clear guidance moving forward,” the letter dated Oct. 21 read.
The letter was signed by UST Faculty Union (USTFU) president Asst. Prof. Emerito Gonzales, Samahang Manggagawa-UST president Dan Patricio and Ugnayan ng Nagkakaisang Manggagawa-UST Hospital president Donell Siazon.
Last April, the UST Office of the Vice Rector for Finance issued a memorandum directing all academic and non-academic staff to obtain a health permit from the Manila Health Department in compliance with City Ordinance 8793. The ordinance also required all Manila workers to undergo procedures such as the submission of stool and urine samples at the facilities of the city government, which have been described by labor groups as “unsanitary” and “below average.” Workers were also asked to pay P625 for the permit that has to be renewed every year.
Several part-time UST instructors were denied teaching loads after they refused or failed to obtain a health certificate on or before the July 31 deadline.
The policy, which is being implemented by the Manila Health Department led by Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna’s husband Arnold Pangan, has drawn flak among workers who described it as “exploitative” and “disruptive” of UST’s operations.
Following an uproar by critics of the requirement both within and outside UST, the Manila Health Department approved some changes in the policy, such as allowing private school employees to undergo laboratory testing at their preferred medical site. The local health department has also exempted current employees from the drug test requirement, which now only covers new job applicants.
“This development underscores the fruits of ONE-UST’s advocacy efforts and promises to positively impact not only UST employees but also all workers of private educational institutions in Manila,” the labor coalition said.
Transparency sought
However, ONE-UST said its advocacy does not stop with the recent developments, citing the need for continuous discussions with the University administration, particularly on the licensed professionals who paid for a professional tax receipt (PTR) as an alternative to the health permit.
The UST memorandum released in April said those who paid for a PTR need not secure a health permit, but this was later on corrected by the Manila Health Department. According to the city health department, PTRs cannot and should not be a substitute for health permits because of their distinct purposes.
ONE-UST also called for the giving of free laboratory tests to faculty members in line with the USTFU’s collective bargaining agreement. It noted that the support and hospital staff are entitled to free physical examinations.
The labor coalition also called for a stronger collaboration on issues relevant to the employees, saying the administration has not been “fully transparent” with regard to the health permit issue.
Transparency, the group added, is essential for “fostering an environment where UST can achieve its mission and vision.”
“Moreover, it is crucial that we strengthen our spirit of collaboration on matters affecting workers. Unfortunately, we feel that the administration has not always been fully transparent, particularly regarding the health permit issue..which has hindered genuine collaboration between UST employees and management,” ONE-UST said.
The coalition said it remains dedicated to advocating for a comprehensive review of the health permit ordinance to ensure it effectively addresses the post-pandemic needs of workers. F — Rovy Jilyn Fraginal
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