The Lyceum Faculty Association (LFA) filed a notice of strike on March 26 before the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) office following a deadlock in their negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) administration. The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT)-Private Schools expressed its support for the struggle of their fellow educators.

The LFA’s CBA demands salary increases, allowances, and the removal of mandatory retirement after 20 years of service. “The management’s reluctance to share prosperity with those who create it–us, the faculty–only strengthens our resolve,” LFA president Ms. Jovy Cuadra said.

According to ACT-Private Schools, it recognizes the importance of LFA’s noble goal of achieving fair economic benefits and just salary increases, “especially at a time when economic crises and rising costs of living continue to burden our teachers who are bearing the brunt of meager compensation,” it stated.

ACT-Private Schools urged the LPU administration to address the demands of teachers, who play a central role in upholding the university’s mission for quality education.

The group added that the experiences of LPU faculty are not far from the calls and grievances of other teachers in the private sector. “As more private school teachers take a stand for their rights, it is high time that we recognize the importance of prioritizing the welfare of teachers who have shape generations of our students,” the group said.

Just on March 25, the University of Santo Tomas Faculty Union (USTFU) also filed a notice of strike due to a deadlock in negotiations for their CBA. If university administrations remain unyielding, faculty unions at LPU and UST may go on strike this coming May, in accordance with labor laws.