PHL unions step-up social dialogue, organizing campaign

BUTUAN CITY, MAY 23 (PIA) – The Philippine unions have agreed to step up social dialogue and organizing campaigns, noting that the problems of inequality, wages, benefits, terms and conditions of work and life in the country could be solved quickly if the government and employers do not hinder workers’ freedom of association.

“I urge our colleagues to strengthen the right to form groups, to organise and to assemble together with the aim of addressing issues of common concern,” said Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) president and former senator Ernesto Herrera during the recently held National Conference on Constructive Industrial Relations, Employment Security, and Equitable Income spearheaded by the TUCP in partnership with Japan International Labor Foundation (JILAF).

Herrera noted the growing inequality despite the continuous growth of the economy.

“Though the government’s effort to achieve economic growth is commendable. However, our labor employment is overemphasized and so without equal resolve to improve compliance with core labor standards, respect for worker’s rights, security of tenure, living wages through equitable sharing of profits and gains, and implementation of decent work principles, economic growth is worthless,” added Herrera.

The 126 participants, most of whom are trade union leaders, BPO workers, labor activists, students, informal sector workers, and media resolved to strengthen their stand for fundamental principles and rights at work, including their rightful share in the fruits of economic development, as they affirmed unions’ indispensable role in development, in resolving inequity and in achieving social justice. (FEA/with reports from Rafael Mapalo, TUCP/PIA-Caraga)
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