On 27 July 2023, the representatives of Alaska Milk Corporation (AMC) and Alaska Milk Workers Union-Independent (AMWU-Ind) made history by signing a new two-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA) after successfully completing rounds of negotiations on site level in less than two (2) weeks.

“This new agreement or what we call at AMC as Collective Growth Agreement (CGA), can only be made possible through the good relationship and trust between the management and the workers. This is a testament to our commitment in ensuring the continuous growth of our people and the business despite the current socio-economic status of the country,” said AMC Managing Director Mr. Tarang Gupta.

Leading the signing of the CBA were AMC People and Culture (P&C) Director Ms. Edalyn D. Hadjula-Legarde and Chairperson of the CBA Management Panel and Labor Relations Manager, Ms. Mary Grace Dandan and AMWU-Ind President Reagan Boots Macalinao.

“The swift signing of the CBA highlights the brand of care being enjoyed by our employees called “Alagang Alaska” and value of employee-management cooperation and collaboration to achieve and promote sound and stable industrial peace and to advance the welfare, health and safety and the best interests of both parties,” said Ms. Hadjula-Legarde.

“It is indeed a great privilege to be part of this historical milestone for AMC. It makes us proud of what we do. Nothing is more fulfilling than being able to add value to the company and our people,” added Ms. Dandan.

The CBA represents a package that is mutually beneficial to both AMC and the rank-and-file employees of AMC in its San Pedro, Laguna Plant. Said employees will receive a package that will enable work-life flexibility and career development for them. Apart from the improvements to government-mandated benefits, employees will also be entitled to a funeral aid, medical and dental care, and hospitalization benefits. They will also be enjoying annual recreational activities such as sports fests, summer outing, and Christmas party. An annual recognition of loyalty awardees will also be held to recognize outstanding performance.

“We recognize that while businesses are still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, AMC has not wavered in its commitment to employee growth and welfare. In return, we commit to supporting AMC’s continuous recovery and growth at this critical time,” said AMWU-Ind First Vice-President, Mr. Julius Escudero.

Also present during the negotiations were: AMC Manufacturing Manager Mr. Frejan Ilagan, Rewards Manager Ms Jessemen Ng, Shift Manager Mr Christopher Biglete, and Legal Manager Atty. Maricris Connie Pua. Also present on the AMWU-Ind side were: Mr. Julius Escudero, Mr. Melvin Cabunoc, Mr. Arne Jontilano, Mr. Gabriel Apolinar, Mr. Wilfredo Gamier, Mr. Elmer Malate, Mr. Eduardo Jholancob, and Atty. Jehn Louie Velandrez.

Retroactively taking effect 11 June 2023, this round of negotiations is momentous for both AMC and AMWU-Ind as previous similar undertakings took at least 3 months to complete. Aside from the great speed that this negotiations was conducted, there was also no need for an  intervention from the National Mediation and Conciliation Board (NCMB), the branch of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) that ensures harmonious labor and management relations.  Closed at site level, it is important to underscore that this CBA saved both parties substantial resources.

27 July 2023, San Pedro, Laguna: Representatives of Alaska Milk Corporation (AMC) and Alaska Milk Workers Union-Independent (AMWU-Ind) made history by signing a new two-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA) after successfully completing rounds of negotiations on site level in less than two (2) weeks. Leading the signing of the CBA were AMC People and Culture (P&C) Director Ms. Edalyn D. Hadjula-Legarde and Chairperson of the CBA Management Panel and Labor Relations Manager, Ms. Mary Grace Dandan and AMWU-Ind President Reagan Boots Macalinao. Also present during the negotiations were: AMC Manufacturing Manager Mr. Frejan Ilagan, Rewards Manager Ms Jessemen Ng, Shift Manager Mr Christopher Biglete, and Legal Manager Atty. Maricris Connie Pua. Also present on the AMWU-Ind side were: Mr. Julius Escudero, Mr. Melvin Cabunoc, Mr. Arne Jontilano, Mr. Gabriel Apolinar, Mr. Wilfredo Gamier, Mr. Elmer Malate, Mr. Eduardo Jholancob, and Atty. Jehn Louie Velandrez.