THE UNIVERSITY has rejected “claims of unfair labor practices” over negotiations for a new salary and benefits deal for UST faculty, saying it would continue to bargain “in good faith” as talks enter a deadlock.
In a statement posted on social media on March 13, the UST administration said all faculty members stood to benefit from a nearly 8.5% salary increase as well as back wages from Aug. 1, 2020 under the proposed collective bargaining agreement (CBA) for the years 2021-2026.
“We value our academic staff and continue to negotiate in good faith to reach a CBA that is just, sustainable, and aligned with both faculty welfare and the long-term stability of the institution,” UST said in a statement posted on Facebook.
The statement also contained clarifications to the “claim that faculty salaries remain stagnant despite tuition increases,” which UST said “misrepresents the facts.”
By law, 70% of tuition increases must go to the salaries and benefits of faculty and support staff.
UST said it had set aside P220 million in tuition hike proceeds covering Academic Years (AY) 2021-2022 to 2023-2024, along with remaining collections from AY 2020-2021, representing 89% of the total tuition increases allocated to the faculty for those periods.
The rest, P26 million or 11% of the total tuition hike share of the UST faculty, came from the 6% tuition increase in AY 2023-2024 intended to support faculty rank upgrades and salary improvements, the University explained.
The USTFU had wanted UST to shoulder the amount but settled for a lower P17 million allocation after the management panel insisted on sourcing it from the teachers’ tuition hike share.
“Allocating a portion of the TFI (tuition increases) for these purposes aligns with RA 6728,” UST said. “While this allocation directly benefits specific academic staff sectors, it also establishes long-term improvements in faculty compensation structures, helping the University attract and retain top talent.”
This statement came a day after the UST Faculty Union (USTFU) membership voted to declare a deadlock in CBA negotiations, and three days after the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) ordered UST to explain its compliance with laws directing schools to allocate 70% of tuition increases for the salaries and benefits of teachers and employees.
USTFU will formally declare a deadlock in CBA negotiations tomorrow, March 14.
READ: Union eyes filing of strike notice on March 24
UST asserted it was committed to distributing the faculty’s share in tuition hikes “in strict compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.”
It stressed the need for a finalized CBA before releasing the allocations.
“The University has consistently allocated the legally mandated portion of tuition fee increases to faculty and staff compensation in compliance with Republic Act 6728 and CHED Memorandum Order No. 8, Series of 2012,” UST said.
On March 10, CHEd issued a show-cause order to UST, asking it to explain within 15 days its compliance with the distribution of the faculty’s share in tuition hike proceeds amid delays in CBA negotiations.
READ: CHEd orders UST to explain compliance on distribution of faculty’s share in tuition hikes
UST also said it was committed to the health and well-being of faculty, citing improved healthcare benefits such as increased hospitalization coverage, critical illness allowance, and an expanded wellness program.
“We urge all stakeholders to approach these discussions with fairness, responsibility, and a commitment to the shared goal of upholding academic excellence,” UST said.
