UN high-level mission to look at RP workers’ freedom, protection

THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Saturday agreed to receive a high level mission from by the International Labor Organization (ILO) to consult with various stakeholders regarding workers’ freedom and protection from abusive employers.

The ILO mission will look into allegations of violation of labor standards in the country.

DOLE Undersecretary Rosalinda Baldoz, who heads the Philippine delegation to the ongoing 98th session of the International Labor Conference in Geneva, agreed before the Committee on the Application of Standards to the sending of the ILO mission to the Philippines.

The request was first made in 2007 after debates on the country’s compliance with the ILO Convention on the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Rights to Organize.

ILO Convention 87 is part of the eight ILO core Conventions ratified on December 29, 1953 by the Philippines.

“It provides for the right of workers and employers without any distinction, to establish and join organizations of their own choosing, with a view to further and defend their interest, without authorization,” Labor Secretary Marianito Roque said in a statement.

He said the country welcomes the ILO mission after the tripartite partners adopted the Philippine Decent Work Common Agenda 2008 to 2010.

The ILO mission hopes to clarify issues and identify areas where the United Nations agency can provide technical assistance on guaranteeing the freedom and protection of workers and unionists.

The mission’s mandate is to recommend legislative, judicial and policy reforms for the effective application of the convention, Roque said. –Bernice Camille V. Bauzon, Reporter, Manila Times