After a year of negotiating for faculty welfare, the Ateneo de Davao University College Faculty Union (CFU) convened for its annual general assembly, laying out prioritizations on faculty empowerment through trainings, and addressing updates to its operations.

The union celebrated key accomplishments in 2024, including a 150% increase in overload rates and the successful completion of collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations, consultations with University leaders, and committee meetings for policy development.

For 2025, the CFU plans to prioritize faculty empowerment and inclusivity through several initiatives, such as offering a Basic Course on Trade Unionism to engage faculty members in union activities and conducting Gender Sensitivity and Safe Space Training.

“We could not overemphasize this enough. To adhere to gender sensitivity and safe space policy of the university because we are always at risk of being victims or, perhaps, even unconsciously become perpetrators ourselves. So we will point out this training together of course, with the administration,” CFU President Hadji Balajadia said.

Balajadia also acknowledged the lapses in the union’s supposedly priority for the past year caused by the CBA negotiations.

“What we drafted back in 2024 was really the basic course in trade unionism because a huge fraction of our time was really consumed by the CBA negotiations and consultations. So, forgive us if we have not conducted [a] basic course in trade unionism for our new faculty and even our old-time faculty. This is the priority for 2025,” Balajadia said.

The assembly also approved a PHP 100 increase in the members’ dues, raising the total from PHP 200 to PHP 300 to better support the union’s goals, including faculty development programs and operational expenses. 

“The last time that we have increased our union dues was actually 2019. That was like 5 years ago… palaki nang palaki ang ating union. May nagre-retire, yes, but marami ring naha-hire at nare-regulars. So I would suggest that we really increase our union dues so that we can operate judiciously, efficiently also,” Balajadia said.

With 61 members voting in favor of the motion, the adjustment is expected to strengthen the union’s capacity and take effect in January 2025.

Committees will also be activated to streamline operations and ensure efficiency in future union endeavors.

The assembly also marked a transition in leadership, with Ian Parcon elected as Vice President, Annaliza Magno as Secretary, and Pol Medina as Auditor.

The CFU General Assembly was held at F213, Finster Building, last January 20, 2025.