UST RECTOR Fr. Richard Ang, O.P. has rejected the UST Faculty Union’s (USTFU) call for the partial release of academic staff’s tuition increase share, citing the absence of a signed collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that he said may expose the University to legal and compliance issues.
In a letter addressed to the faculty union, Ang said the management panel for the collective bargaining agreement said the request for a partial release of the tuition hike proceeds was “not part of the discussions on the negotiation table.”
“We recognize the financial strain faced by members of USTFU and acknowledge
the delays in finalizing the CBA. However, releasing TFl (tuition fee increase) proceeds without a signed agreement could expose the University to risks, including legal and compliance issues, and potentially undermine the integrity of the collective bargaining process,” Ang said in the letter dated Dec. 17.
“While we understand and empathize with the challenges outlined in your request, we must carefully balance these considerations with legal, financial, and procedural obligations,” the UST rector added.
In an earlier letter, the faculty union’s board requested for full-time and part-time academic staff to receive P50,000 and at least P25,000, respectively, from their share in the tuition hike, saying the partial amount could benefit them in terms of “tax planning, financial relief, equity and timeliness” this Christmas season.
Ang argued that while tax implications are significant, it does not override the procedural requirement for a “duly signed and concluded CBA as the basis for releasing TFl proceeds.”
“For the above reasons, we regret that we cannot accede to your request for partial
TFl release at this time. This is also in deference to the mandate given to the CBA
Management Panel to facilitate a swift completion of the CBA negotiations,” he added.
In October, UST said the immediate release of 70% of the tuition hike proceeds for academic years (AY) 2021-2022, 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 would be deferred until talks on the revised CBA have concluded.
Under Republic Act 6728 or the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act, higher education institutions must allocate 70% of their tuition increase to salaries, wages, allowances and other benefits of academic and non-academic staff. However, the commission requires that the share “may be provided for in the collective bargaining agreement.”
CBA negotiations covering AY 2021-2022 to 2025-2026 only began in March this year and are still ongoing, putting on hold three years’ worth of tuition hike disbursements.
The union panel has requested the board to hold a yes-no vote for a deadlock on Jan. 14 after numerous rejections of CBA provisions. A deadlock may be declared after parties cannot settle on CBA negotiations and may result in picketing, strikes, lockouts or renegotiations. F
