By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Negros Occidental has approved the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) between the provincial government and the Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees (PACE) during its regular session on Tuesday.

The SP also authorized Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson to sign the CNA with PACE.

Under the CNA, the provincial government recognizes the basic rights of the provincial government employees to living wage, security of tenure and a humane working environment.

In reaction, PACE president Renelo Lastierre thanked Lacson, Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer and members of the SP for the approval of CNA bonus.

“It is a victory of the PACE in the name of workers’ rights,” Lastierre said.

He said the approval is “a  manifestation of a pro-worker, pro-employee administration of the Capitol”

“The CNA is the repository of rights and benefits and a recognition of the government of the role of workers,” he pointed out.

Each employee is expected to receive not less than P25,000 as CNA bonus.

However, provincial administrator Rayfrando Diaz said the amount will depend on the savings from the budget of the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses of the provincial government./DGB, WDJ