The Municipal Government of New Lucena and the New Lucena Municipal Employees’ Association have officially ratified the 2025 Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA)—a significant milestone that reinforces cooperation, transparency, and shared responsibility between the local government and its workforce. Signed on November 11, 2025, the agreement sets the tone for a disciplined, people-centered, and performance-driven public service environment.

        At its core, the CNA formalizes mutual commitments: the Municipality, represented by Municipal Mayor Atty. Carl Vincent G. Mondejar, CPA, and the Employees’ Association, represented by President Robert D. Gualta, renew their pledge to uphold fairness, accountability, and the highest standards of professional conduct. In a time when efficient governance and fiscal prudence matter more than ever, this agreement provides both structure and shared confidence.


Strengthening Institutional Trust

        The CNA establishes clear rules on union dues, authorized deductions, and financial remittances—ensuring everything is compliant with existing accounting and auditing standards. This clarity reduces administrative friction and enhances transparency, making both the Municipality and the Union more agile and trustworthy stewards of public resources.

        A notable provision is the indemnification clause for non-union members. Those who benefit from the CNA will contribute a 5% fee from their CNA Incentive, which will accrue to the Union without needing written authorization. This ensures equity: those who share in the benefits also contribute to the sustainability of the organization.

Continuity Through Stability

        The agreement remains effective from signing until a new CNA replaces it. If the expiration date arrives without a new agreement, this CNA stays in force—protecting employees’ rights and ensuring continuity. Both parties commit to start negotiating three months before expiration, promoting preparedness and minimizing disruptions.

Responsible Governance and Cost Efficiency

        One of the defining features of this CNA is its institutionalized cost-cutting measures. These include:

  • Limiting air-conditioning to essential hours
  • Turning off unused equipment
  • Recycling materials within offices
  • Prohibiting private use of government resources
  • Adopting fuel conservation protocols for municipal vehicles

        These measures reflect a shared understanding: public funds must be safeguarded while sustaining service quality. The agreement articulates a forward-looking mindset—embracing environmentally conscious and financially prudent practices that reinforce New Lucena’s long-term resilience.

Rewarding Commitment Through Monetization Benefits

        To support employee welfare, the Municipality renews its annual monetization program. Qualified employees can avail themselves of:

  • Ten (10) days monetization for those with at least two leave credits
  • Up to 30% monetization of accumulated vacation and sick leave credits in accordance with Civil Service guidelines

This provides financial flexibility for employees while maintaining accountability and productivity within the service.

Anchored in Public Interest

        Above all, both the Union and the Municipality reaffirm their duty to uphold loyalty, integrity, and service excellence. The CNA serves as a shared commitment to build a disciplined, ethical, and citizen-focused bureaucracy—one that respects its workforce and safeguards the public it serves.

        As New Lucena continues to grow, this agreement stands as an encouraging symbol of partnership. It demonstrates that progress is best achieved when leadership and employees work hand-in-hand, grounded in trust and guided by a vision for inclusive development and stronger public institutions.

        The 2025 CNA is not merely a document. It is a renewed promise to the people of New Lucena: that together, we are committed to building a government that is efficient, transparent, and responsive—today and in the years ahead.