Title
Blue Bar Worker's Union vs. Lakas ng Manggagawang Makabayan
Case
G.R. No. L-29743
Decision Date
Sep 30, 1969
A labor union dispute where the Supreme Court upheld the Blue Bar Workers' Union as the sole bargaining representative, recognizing its election victory and existing collective bargaining agreement, despite initial certification errors.
A

Case Summary (G.R. No. L-29743)

Background and Procedural History

On September 20, 1967, the Plum Federation of Industrial and Agrarian Workers (PLUM) petitioned the CIR to be certified as the majority union and sole bargaining representative for the rank-and-file employees of Blue Bar Coconut Philippines, Inc. The Blue Bar Workers' Union intervened in this case, asserting its existing collective bargaining agreement with the employer and claiming affiliation with Lakas Ng Manggagawang Makabayan. CIR conducted a consent election on July 3, 1968, resulting in the Blue Bar Workers' Union receiving 526 votes while PLUM garnered 155 votes.

Controversial Orders of the CIR

On July 17, 1968, the CIR issued an order certifying Lakas as the exclusive bargaining agent, a decision that disregarded the Blue Bar Workers' Union despite its apparent electoral victory. Petitioner sought reconsideration which was denied by CIR, and on October 3, 1968, the en banc resolution upheld the prior orders, prompting the Blue Bar Workers' Union to appeal to the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court Proceedings

Petitioner filed a manifestation on November 26, 1968, asserting that Lakas was demanding a new contract despite the existing agreement with Blue Bar Coconut. The Supreme Court issued a writ of preliminary injunction on December 19, 1968, thereby restraining CIR from enforcing its earlier orders while requiring a bond from petitioner. A bond was subsequently filed and approved, and the preliminary injunction was issued on January 3, 1969.

Subsequent Developments

On June 23, 1969, Lakas informed Blue Bar Coconut of its decision to relinquish any claims to exclusive representation, stating that its local officers had joined the Blue Bar Workers' Union. Petitioner subsequently filed a request for a judgment recognizing it as the sole bargaining representative based on Lakas's statement.

Resolution by the Supreme Court

On August 22, 1969, the Supreme Court directed Lakas to respond to petitioner's request, but Lakas failed to comply within the specified timeframe. As a result, the Supreme Cour

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