PLAI

Labor Law

Secretary of Labor's Assumption of Jurisdiction under Article 263(g) practice question

The United Matchworkers Union, the certified bargaining agent of daily-paid workers at Luzon Match Corporation, staged a strike after a deadlock in collective bargaining negotiations. After several failed conciliation conferences, the Union filed a petition for the Secretary of Labor to intervene. The Secretary of Labor then issued an order assuming jurisdiction over the dispute, citing the adverse effects of the strike on the workers, the company, and the surrounding community, but without stating that the match manufacturing industry is indispensable to the national interest. Luzon Match Corporation challenges the Secretary's order, arguing that the industry is not indispensable to the national interest as required by law. Should the Secretary of Labor's assumption of jurisdiction be upheld? Explain.