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THE S U FA A D VA N TA G E
Unions exist to make life on the job better for workers like you. Think about working conditions,
say, one hundred years ago. Think of them now. Most of the gains - better hours, better pay,
better safety, better benefits - were fought for by unions.
Belonging to a union protects your rights. In fact: under the law, union members have
greater protection. By joining a democratically run union like SUFA, you will not only help
yourself to fairness on the job, but also fairness in the community.

What are the constitutional bases for organizing a Union?

The rights of the people, including those employed in the public and private sectors, to form
unions, associations, or societies for purposes not contrary to law shall not be abridged (Section
8, Article III, Bill of Rights).
The State shall afford full protection to labor, local and overseas, organized and
unorganized, and promote full employment and equality of employment opportunities to all.
It shall guarantee the rights of all workers to self-organization, collective bargaining and
negotiations, and peaceful concerted activities, including the right to strike in accordance with
law. They shall be entitled to security of tenure, humane conditions of work, and a living wage.
They shall also participate in policy and decision-making processes affecting their rights and
benefits as may be provided by law.
The State shall promote the principle of shared responsibility between workers and
employers and the preferential use of voluntary modes in settling disputes, including
conciliation, and shall enforce their mutual compliance therewith to foster industrial peace.
The State shall regulate the relations between workers and employers, recognizing the
right of labor to its just share in the fruits of production and the right of enterprises to reasonable
returns on investments, and to expansion and growth (Section 3, Article XIII, Social Justice and
Human Rights).

What are the advantages of joining SUFA?

As a SUFA member, you don’t have to deal with the administration (chair, director, dean,
VPs, or the President) alone. You have the support of your co-members and the Union officers
you elect, who are legally empowered to deal with the members of the Administration. You may
also feel the need for some kind of formal mechanism for dealing with day-to-day problems in
the workplace - before the problems become big issues. Or - usually because of some set-back
or experience like favoritism or arbitrariness - you may decide that you need a union to protect
your rights. When you need more expertise, SUFA is there with our legal counsel, grievance
officers and experts on benefits and pensions, compensation, job security, legal questions and
many other areas.
SUFA is a member-driven union. You elect its officers. In the General Assembly
meetings, you set SUFA’s policies, directions, and bargaining demands. Your union dues pay
for the operation and expertise to advise you, but you make the decisions.
Lastly, you and your colleagues may want more job satisfaction:  better pay, better
working conditions or a bigger say in how things are done at work. 
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A. SUFA protects your rights. These are rights:

1. Right to a decent pay

2. Right to minimum statutory monetary benefits
3. Right to humane conditions of Work.

a. Normal hours of Work of any employee shall not exceed eight (8) hours a day
b. Weekly Rest Period
c. No mandatory overtime work
d. discrimination prohibited
e. Non-diminution of benefits. (Art.100. CBA 2.5)
f. Security of employment
g. Special Working Conditions for Private School Teachers
1) The right to be free from compulsory assignments not related to their duties as
defined in their assignments or employment contracts, unless compensated
therefore, conformably to existing law. (Education Act of 1982 Sec 11)
2) Teachers must be given the opportunity to choose alternative career lines (sec
11)
3) Prohibition against unusually heavy teaching loads
4) Student enrollment per class subject to limitations

B. What is Security of tenure (employment)?

Every employee shall be assured security of tenure. No employee can be dismissed

from work except for a just or authorized cause, and only after due process.

C. How does the Union safeguard your rights and security of employment?
1. Through the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

2. You have the right to demand for Union representation in any investigation with
any member of the Administration. (CBA 2.4, 2.7, 6.5.2, 8.0,)

3. Right to due process. In all matters that may result in the imposition of sanctions
against schools personnel administrative due process shall in all instances be
observed. (MRPS Art 100. CBA sec 2.4, sec 15)

Under the Constitution, no person may be deprived of life, liberty or property

without due process of law (article III, Sec 1). Two essential requirements of due
process are the requirement of notice and the requirement of hearing. It simply
means that the employer shall afford the worker an ample opportunity to be
heard, an opportunity to explain, one’s side or an opportunity to seek a
reconsideration of action or ruling. Due process contemplates freedom from
arbitrariness. It also requires that evidence must be substantial, and substantial
evidence means evidence that a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to
support a conclusion.