2 May 2023 – NTUC Phl held a Joint celebration of International Safety Day (April 28) and Labor Day (May 1), on 29 April 2023, online, from Quezon City. The celebration revolved around two themes: 1 – Violence and harassment (VnH), Gender-based violence (GVB), and Occupational safety and health (OSH) Actions; 2 – Increased women and youth participation.

The President reported on NTUC Phl’s recent actions on VnH, OSH, and organizing, collective bargaining, and other labor issues.

DOLE Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto Bitonio touched on the gaps in Philippine law and practice regarding ILO Convention 190 and reported that the ratification documents are with the DFA (foreign ministry).

Short summaries on actions’ on various issues ranging from agriculture to labor standards to free trade agreements (RCEP) by NTUC Phl and its affiliates were flashed on-screen.

Sister Ogalinda introduced the affiliates and the federation leaders present and the day’s program centering on 2 themes: 1 – VnH, GVB, and OSH Actions; and 2 – Increased women and youth participation

OSHC Director Maria Teresita Cocueco made a presentation (and fielded questions from the participants) on the Implications on the Philippines of the adoption of OSH as the fifth ILO Fundamental Principle. She reported DOLE’s efforts on the implementation of the OSH law and the journey towards amendment of implementing regulations.

HGS C. Bagtas led the discussions on the application of NTUC Phl’s EBM for VnH manual in collective bargaining. 15 NTUC Phl local unions have ILO C190 language in negotiated CBA provisions. Other unions are negotiating on the same. NTUC Phl unions are not waiting for ratification, but negotiating enterprise-based mechanisms that need to be done anyway.

The Women and Youth Committees were reconstituted. Elected were the Co-Chairs and Vice Chair of the Women Committee (one from Luzon, one from Visayas-Mindanao), and the Chair (woman) and two Vice-Chairs (one for young women, one for young men).

Participants presented their Self-made Ratify C190 posters and self-made Solidarity posters for CTUM, Myanmar, part of NTUC Phl’s advocacy and solidarity action.