SLAUGHTERHOUSE operator AVM Bernardo Engineering got a go-signal from the City Council of Bacolod City to increase its slaughter and delivery fees.
The resolution authorizing the increase, authored by Councilor Bartolome Orola, chairman of committee on markets and slaughterhouse, was approved during the regular session last Wednesday.
Orola said on January, 19, the management of the AVM Management sent a letter to the City Mayor’s Office requesting for an authority to increase the slaughter and delivery fees, which is allowed by Sections 15 and 16, Article IV of the memorandum of agreement between the City Government and AVM Bernardo on February 7.
He said the private operator has been collecting P2.50 per kilogram for slaughter fee, and P0.025 per kilogram as delivery fee.
“They are requesting an increase of P0.25 per kilogram on slaughter fee and P0.025 per kilogram on delivery fee,” Orola added.
The councilor said that the series of public hearings pertaining to the request of AVM Bernardo conducted at the Bacolod Government Center were attended by the stakeholders, particularly the meat vendors operating in various public markets.
Orola said the meat vendors were given enough time to address their concerns and sentiments.
AVM Bernardo plant manager Glorydee Cometa said for a period of eight years and five months, the slaughtering and delivery fees they charge to meat vendors were never increased despite the interminable rising of prices of salaries and wages, electricity costs, and petroleum products, which are the basics in operating a slaughterhouse.
She said they are asking for an increase of at least 10 percent as stipulated in Section 16 Article IV of the memorandum of agreement.
“Our labor force is unionized and affiliated with the Kilusang Mayo Uno. Our collective bargaining agreement with the union is now due for negotiation, and by which increase in salaries and wages and other benefits are being sought by the union from the management,” Cometa added.
