Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) Undersecretary for Labor Relations, Policy and International Affairs Cluster Benedicto Ernesto Bitonio Jr. (top photo, left) facilitated the signing of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) from 2021 to 2026, between the Manila Peninsula Hotel Inc. and the Peninsula Employees Union-National Union of Workers in Hotel Restaurant and Allied Industries (Union) on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, at the DoLE Central Office in Intramuros, Manila. The CBA outlined that the Union will receive the aggregate amount of P3,013,100 for the one-time economic assistance and salary increase of the employees which is scheduled for release on Friday, November 10. Bitonio emphasized that DoLE's intervention in the labor dispute is not intended to prevent the employees from exercising their right to strike but to protect their employment. Also present to witness the signing are representatives from the DoLE Legal Service and the Sheriff of DoLE-NCR. PHOTOS BY ALEJANDRO ECHAVEZ, DOLE-IPS