Ministry of Labor Steps in to Resolve KHMH Trade Dispute

We’re continuing to follow developments in the K.H.M.H. labor dispute, and now, the Ministry of Labor is officially in the loop. On Friday, we spoke with Minister Florencio Marin, who confirmed that he’s received the letter from hospital management requesting intervention. So, what happens next? According to the minister, the first step is to keep the conversation going between both sides. If that doesn’t work, they’ll move into mediation. And if all else fails, the matter could end up before a labor tribunal.

 

Florencio Marin, Minister of Labor

“We have the same options. Again, I will need to sit with the ministry team. Perhaps we can tell them to continue the dialogue, that is the first option. They can continue dialogue and hopefully they can come to a resolution. If not, myself as the minster, with the backup of the ministry, we conduct the mediation. If that does not work, from their we go to a tribunal.”

 

Paul Lopez

“How closely are you observing the actions that the staff at the KHMH has been taking, most recently a sickout.”

 

Florencio Marin

“We are monitoring it and all that. But, I do not want to comment, because we may be in the mediation. So I don’t want to prejudice that. But, we are monitoring both sides.”

 

Reporter

“But how do you look at the notice or advise from the Labor Department that there were processes to be followed and now you the accusations from the management of the KHMH saying they violated the law because the did engage in industrial action.”

 

Florencio Marin

“Again, that is something when we formally get involved, when we look at it, then I will be able to comment. I don’t want to be prejudice to give an opinion. We will give an a response soon.”

It’s a clear sign that the situation is being taken seriously and that the road to resolution may still have a few more turns.