Philippines signs deal to protect labour rights

The Philippines Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE) has signed an agreement with the country’s Foreign Buyers’ Association of the Philippines (FOBAP) in a drive to implement the government’s the new Labor Laws Compliance System, or LLCS, according to a report on the DOLE’s website.

The FOBAP is an association that serves as watchdog of local export producers in terms of labor and social compliance.

Labour and employment secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz was elated that one of DOLE’s major reforms, the new Labor Laws Compliance System, or LLCS, is gaining more adherents and advocates, the latest of which is the powerful FOBAP.

“I am very pleased that the FOBAP is one with the DOLE in ensuring that exported products from the Philippines are produced not only according to global quality standards, but also in responsible and socially-compliant factories that meets the basic standards for human rights as required by major importing countries,” said Baldoz after the signing ceremony in Manila.

The memorandum of agreement spells out the mechanics of cooperation between the DOLE and the FOBAP in attaining the two organization’s shared goals of increased awareness of the export sector on general labor standards, with emphasis on minimum wage and other wage-related benefits; and occupational safety and health.

“Our view in signing this memorandum of agreement is to improve compliance rate; develop industry-specific GLS and OSHS; build within the export sector a culture of voluntary compliance with GLS and OSHS; and ensure that Philippine export products are manufactured in socially-compliant factories,” said Baldoz.

“Through this agreement, we resolve to cooperate with strong synergy to increase awareness and understanding of the export sector of labor laws compliance,” said FOBAP President Robert Young, who signed the agreement on behalf of his organization.

Under the deal, the DOLE and FOBAP will create a technical working committee that will adopt measures and conduct activities necessary to ensure the effective implementation of the partnership agreement. (SH)

Fibre2fashion News Desk – India