Talks between Sofitel management, personnel end in an impasse

FOUR days before the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila closes shop, management and the hotel’s labor union remained locked in their ongoing conciliation-mediation talks.

In a statement, the Philippine Plaza Chapter (PPC) said its five-hour marathon negotiations with management last Tuesday night ended in an impasse.

“Despite the union’s efforts to reach an agreement, the management remains firm in its refusal to provide job guarantees for workers upon reopening,” said PPC President Nestor Cabada.

He said Sofitel management was adamant in denying workers their right to union representation and collective bargaining agreements (CBA).

“This is a move that can only be described as blatant union busting,” said Cabada.

Last May, Sofitel announced that it will cease operations starting July 1.

However, hotel workers believed the Pasay City-based hotel would not cease operations but merely undergo renovation and improvement of its facilities.

The workers’ union said it will not stop its protest and take their calls to the streets until their voices are heard.

“Unless the company meets our reasonable demands, our campaign will not stop even if Sofitel closes its doors,” said Cabada.

Nearly 1,000 employees of Sofitel are expected to be displaced by the hotel’s closure on July 1.