MANILA - PLDT Inc said on Thursday that it is working with the Department of Labor and the rank-and-file workers group Manggagawa ng Komunikasyon ng Pilipinas to resolve the issue linked to their ongoing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations.

“PLDT is working with MKP and the Department of Labor to swiftly conclude the CBA negotiations while adhering to industry standards,” PLDT Inc said in a statement sent to ABS-CBN News.

The telco issued this statement after MKP, which represents over 3,800 PLDT workers, held a press conference saying that it may hold a strike as the company’s current offer is low considering PLDT's reported core net income in 2023.

“‘Yong nakaraang CBA namin, a total of P10,700 in three years na monthly wage increase. Ang final offer ng PLDT management ay P6,400 lang,” MKP Secretary General Pete Pinlac said

“Ang ganda ng kinita ng kumpanya eh. Ang galing magtrabaho ng manggagawa eh. Bakit itong mga nakukuryente, mga nadudumuhan sa manhole, mas mababa ang kita nila? Nasaan ang hustisya?” he added.

Pinlac said they are contemplating a nationwide strike this December as their last resort, citing unresolved demands for higher wages, and since negotiations have not been favorable to the employees. Final negotiations with PLDT in the National Conciliation and Mediation Board are being held today, Thursday.

Meanwhile, PLDT assured the public that services will be unhampered.

“We are prepared to manage any contingencies, ensuring uninterrupted and high-quality service to our subscribers. Please be assured that PLDT’s service remains unaffected, and our commitment is to continue to deliver the best service to our customers,” the company said.

More details to follow.