Banana industry launches own voluntary code

DAVAO CITY, Dec. 21 (PIA) — After the pilot voluntary code of good practices on decent work in the Business Process Outsourcing industry, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE XI) launched yesterday a voluntary code in the banana industry as well.

This was achieved given that the said industry contributes 240,000 workers and around 1.4 million persons directly dependent on the banana industry.

The code provides a guiding set of principles that will govern the operation of the Banana Industry Tripartite Council (BITC) in aiming for industrial peace, productivity, and competitiveness.

The code contains normative, aspirational and regulatory standards on the many aspects of labor-management relations and corporate governance in the industry.

It is the outcome of key players in the banana export industry such as PBGEA, FEDCO, Amsefpco, Farmcoop, ALU-TUCP, FILU, PFL, Stanfilco, TADECO, Sumifru, Del Monte Fresh, and Unifrutti, and relevant government agencies like DA, DAR, TESDA, and CDA.

Some of the unique content of the code includes the commitment of the management sector to refrain from retrenching or laying-off people during times of economic downturn and energy crisis.

They also agreed to formulate an occupational health and safety policy and program to address safety and health concerns in worksites.

Raising awareness campaigns on HIV/AIDS, dangerous drugs, tuberculosis, dengue and malaria is also part of their priorities.

The management sector has also committed to promote and practice transparency in transactions between and among national and local governments, without prejudice to the protection of trade and industry secrets, to resist anomalous and corrupt transactions.

The management sector also condemns pole vaulting as it undermines the rule of law and obligation of contract and threatens global reputation of Philippine bananas. They have committed to discourage its members from engaging in it. (PIA XI) –Mai Gevera