DoLE launches trialog on workplace discrimination

The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) has launched a trialog that tackled workplace discrimination, including issues against women, lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transsexual (LGBT) workers.

The forum dubbed “Working World Trialogs (WWT) Series 10.10 Gender Discrimination in the Workplace: Beyond Stereotypes” held at the Bayview Park Hotel, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, was spearheaded and organized by DoLE’s Institute of Labor Studies (ILS).

Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said the conduct of the forum is an initial step toward developing a sustainable solution on bridging the gap between the genders in the workplace.

“This is a proactive and timely approach towards ensuring equal opportunity and promoting gender-sensitive environment for all Filipino workers, not only in the private sector, but in the public sector as well,” Baldoz said.

She said, this is in line with the 22-point labor and employment agenda of President Aquino, specifically on promoting and ensuring the rights of workers, adding the DoLE will continue to develop and find new ways to bring forth solutions in addressing the gender issues in the workplace.

The forum brought together a unique mix of gender experts, workers’ groups, employers and civil society who discussed pressing issues confronting the workplace, particularly, rights at work, employment opportunities, social protection, and social dialog with the end in view of ensuing equality at the workplace.

Speakers from diverse range of stakeholders from government, trade unions and employer groups, including representatives from the International Labor Organization (ILO), Philippine Commission on Women, UP-Manila Center for Gender and Women’s Studies, Rainbow Rights Alliance, People Management Association of the Philippines, Center for Migrant Advocacy, PS-Link, Akbayan, and Ang Ladlad participated in the event and shed light to the burning issue of gender-based discrimination in the workplace.

Referring to LGBT workers, ILS Executive Director Cynthia Cruz said “bridging the divide across genders begins with understanding the issues and challenges faced in the workplace today.”

“This is particularly true with discrimination against these workers, which we still have a lot to learn about. This trialog is the perfect time and venue to talk about it,” Cruz added.

She said “much has already been written and debated on gender discrimination among women, but little has yet to be heard on discrimination against LGBTs. Despite their multifaceted contributions to many areas of Philippine life, these workers are still a marginalized group in the workplace.” Mina Diaz, Daily Tribune