Facts:

• The case involves the Philippine Fishing Boat Officers and Engineers Union and its members, Francisco Visayas and Ambrocio Bergado.
• Respondents include the Court of Industrial Relations, San Diego Fishery Enterprises, Inc., and its officers.
• Petitioners filed a complaint for unfair labor practices, alleging that their dismissals were due to union activities.
• The dismissals occurred on May 9, 1958, following unanswered demand letters sent on May 6 and June 12, 1958.
• In response to the dismissals, petitioners initiated a strike.
• Respondents denied the existence of an employer-employee relationship, claiming petitioners were not on board any vessels at the time of dismissal.
• Respondents argued that the strike was illegal as petitioners did not represent a legitimate bargaining unit.
• The Court of Industrial Relations initially ruled in favor of the respondents, leading to a motion for reconsideration by the petitioners, which was subsequently dismissed.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the petitioners, confirming that the respondents committed unfair labor practices.
• The Court found that the employer-employee relationship was not severed but merely suspended during non-operational periods of the fishing vessels.
• The dismissal of the petitioners' motion for reconsideration was deemed unjustifiable due to a mere formal ...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Court emphasized that the employer-employee relationship is based on hiring and work performed, not solely on continuous employment.
• It clarified that the relationship was suspended during dry-docking or repairs, which are e...continue reading