Case Summary (G.R. No. L-16904)
Jurisdiction and Initial Petition
On May 30, 1959, the Philippine Federation of Labor, which represents the five affected employees (the security guards), filed a petition with the Court of Industrial Relations. The petition sought compensation for unpaid overtime wages, alleging grievances against the bank regarding their refusal to discuss these issues. The Federation asserted violations of the Eight-Hour Labor Law and Republic Act No. 875, which pertains to labor relations and working conditions.
Bank's Motion to Dismiss
On June 9, 1959, the Bank of America filed a motion to dismiss the Federation's petition, arguing that the Court of Industrial Relations lacked jurisdiction. The bank referenced prior jurisprudence to support its position, citing a decision from a related case where jurisdiction was questioned based on the number of represented employees (only five out of over 180).
Federation’s Objection and Legal Precedents
In response, on June 20, 1959, the Federation objected to the motion to dismiss, citing legal precedents that affirmed the court's jurisdiction over cases involving unpaid wages and overtime claims even after the enactment of Republic Act No. 875. The Federation relied on the decisions in NASSCO v. Almin and Gomez v. North Camarines Lumber Co., which reinforced that such claims could be addressed by the Court of Industrial Relations.
Dismissal by the Trial Court
On September 10, 1959, the trial court dismissed the Federation’s petition. The dismissal was based on the determination that the court no longer had the jurisdiction to resolve disputes over unpaid overtime wages following the passage of Republic Act No. 875. The ruling also asserted that while the court had the authority to adjudicate unfair labor practices, the Federation's petition failed to meet necessary legal requirements.
Motion for Reconsideration
Following the dismissal, on September 15, 1959, the Federation sought reconsideration, challenging the dismissal as contrary to law. They requested additional time to submit a memorandum, which they later did on September 22, citing additional legal precedents from earlier court decisions that supported their claim of jurisdiction.
Final Resolution and Affirmation of Jurisdiction
On March 12, 1960, the Court of Industrial Relations upheld its previous decision, asserting that it had jurisdiction over the issue o
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. L-16904)
Case Citation
- Jurisprudence: 119 Phil. 56
- G.R. No. L-16904
- Date of Decision: December 26, 1963
Parties Involved
- Petitioner: Bank of America (Manila Branch)
- Respondents: The Hon. Court of Industrial Relations and Philippine Federation of Labor
Background of the Case
- On May 30, 1959, the Philippine Federation of Labor, representing five security guard employees of the Bank of America, filed a petition with the Court of Industrial Relations.
- The petition sought payment for unpaid wages for overtime work performed during Sundays and legal holidays from 1947 until the petition's filing.
- The Federation also raised grievances regarding unpaid overtime and unfair labor practices regarding salary and wage increases, requesting a conference with bank management, which was refused.
Procedural History
- On June 9, 1959, the Bank moved to dismiss the petition, asserting the Court of Industrial Relations lacked jurisdiction based on previous rulings, claiming only five of over 180 employees were represented by the Federation.
- The Federation objected to the dismissal, citing prior rulings that affirmed the Court's jurisdiction over disputes related