The Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) signed
between the Department of Justice (DOJ)
and the Department of Justice Employees' Association (DOJEA)

The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Justice Employees Association (DOJEA) recently agreed upon the terms of the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) that will govern the working relationship between the DOJ management and DOJ rank-and-file employees for three (3) years

The DOJ, through Justice Secretary Raul M. Gonzalez, and the DOJEA, through its President, Rene C. Suarez signed the CNA in a simple ceremony on 27 March 2009. Present during the signing are Negotiation Panelist of the DOJ management, Assistant Secretaries Teresita R. Domingo and Geronimo L. Sy, as well as officers/panelist of the DOJEA, namely Benjamin M. Astrologo, Jr., Francia Guia B. Bosing, Christopher C. Remolacio, Jeffer D.C. Sabino, Wilson R. Suba and Ildefonso R. Robles. Prosecutor Phillip C. Dela Cruz, in his capacity as Chief of Staff of the Office of the Secretary of Justice, witnessed the event.

Before signing, Secretary Raul M. Gonzalez emphasized the �importance of a union for unity, for progress and development of an organization, the sanctity of the family as the basic social institution, and that one must place the love for his country above all else�.

The DOJEA, as the sole and exclusive negotiation unit of the DOJ rank-and-file employees, was formed and accredited by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) on October 25, 2001, with the primary purpose of protecting and promoting the rights of DOJ employees as well as improving the working conditions in the office.

The new CNA outlined the rights and privileges each DOJ employees shall enjoy. More than ever, it has reforged cooperation with the management in the implementation of cost-cutting measures in the Department.