Philippine and Japanese trade unions join hands for PROGRESS

August 17, 2011, Quezon City – Japanese unions, through the Japan International Labour Foundation (JILAF), known for its pioneering initiatives in the development and implementation of workers’ education and training programs, will launch another action-oriented model initiative integrating industrial relations, corporate social responsibility and productivity into one package.

The new program, called PROGRESS (Program on the role of trade unions in empowerment and strategic steps to decent work), will make its debut in the four-day National Seminar/Workshop on Industrial Relations, Labor and Management Cooperation (LMC) and Productivity on August 29 – September 1, 2011, in collaboration with the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) and Workers Development Foundation Inc. (WDFI). Around 25 core trainers from various industries including services, manufacturing, agriculture, informal sector, youth, women and public sector from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao are expected to attend the training.

“We are privileged to have always been selected as the pilot country for JILAF’s programs for workers. We are happy that through our partnership with JILAF, which spans more than 15 years now, we are able to help improve and build sustainable workplaces and work practices”, said Mr. Ernesto Herrera, TUCP’s General Secretary.

Mr. Hererra stressed that unlike other programs, PROGRESS utilizes easy-to-understand and implement participatory training methods, designed for trade union educators and trainers. It is a comprehensive program which covers labor-management consultations, corporate social responsibility and enhancing productivity through 5s, Kaizen and collective bargaining.

“We thank JILAF for this meaningful partnership in implementing pioneering programs that will surely bring positive impact and better outcomes on the lives of workers not only in the Philippines, but also in countries where JILAF extends its helping hand,” Mr. Herrera concluded.

The Japanese delegation will include officers of JILAF, Mr. Kennichi Kumagai, Deputy Secretary and Mr. Takeru Kato, Field Projects Officer and Mr. Yasuhiko Inoue of the Japan Productivity Center (JPC).