G.R. No. L-10022; January 31, 1958
NORTHERN MOTORS, INC., petitioner, vs. NATIONAL LABOR UNION AND COURT OF INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS, respondents.

FACTS

Antonio Alcantara, a member of the respondent National Labor Union, was dismissed by his employer, petitioner Northern Motors, Inc., on June 12, 1953. The respondent Union contested the dismissal before the Court of Industrial Relations (CIR). After a hearing, the CIR found that Alcantara had smoked inside the company’s painting booth, an act contrary to its rules and regulations, and declared his dismissal justified. Upon the Union’s motion for reconsideration, the CIR en banc affirmed the factual findings but modified the order, directing Alcantara’s reinstatement without back wages. One judge dissented, stating no reason was shown for reinstatement. Northern Motors, Inc. appealed this modified decision.

ISSUE

Whether the act of smoking inside the painting booth, for which Antonio Alcantara was found guilty, constitutes a just cause for his dismissal.

RULING

Yes. The Supreme Court reversed the decision of the Court of Industrial Relations and declared the dismissal of Antonio Alcantara to be for a just cause. The Court held that Alcantara, an experienced painter, knew that smoking in the painting booth was extremely hazardous due to the presence of inflammable dusts and materials. The employer’s rule against smoking was designed to protect the lives of the employees. Violation of such a safety regulation is a grave offense warranting outright dismissal. The policy of promoting labor welfare and justice does not preclude dismissal when the violation endangers safety; such dismissal protects labor and gives capital its due. The order for reinstatement was deemed to be based merely on sympathy.