Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said government mediators are continuing talks to settle a long strike at Kawasaki Motors Philippines Corp. and its labor union.

Asked if the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is looking at declaring an assumption of Jurisdiction by him, Laguesma said: "There’s no recommendation from the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) to assume (jurisdiction) as it continues to mediate for the parties to settle. I would consider it if there will be basis to exercise the extraordinary power of the Secretary to assume (jurisdiction),"

The strike began last May 21 after the collective bargaining negotiations between Kawasaki Motors Philippines and the labor union reached a deadlock over wage increases and economic benefits.

Laguesma said he is worried over the effects of the workers' strike by members of the Kawasaki United Labor Union.

"I'm concerned as a strike and prolonged work stoppage is harmful to both parties, but more so for the workers," said Laguesma.

In a statement, Kawasaki Motors Philippines Corp. (KMPC) said the ongoing labor dispute has a wider effect than in the past.

The company said it continues to seek a peaceful resolution of the labor dispute.

"KMPC remains open to voluntary arbitration, which is an option which the union reportedly rejected during one of the NCMB conferences," said KMPC.

KMPC, the subsidiary of Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. (KMC), appealed to the union to cease the alleged dissemination of misleading information depicting the company as abusive and non-compliant with Philippine labor laws.

“Such tactics go against the spirit of good faith negotiations and have disrupted the harmony we’ve maintained for decades," said the firm. DMS