2 May 2024 – NTUC Phl held a Joint celebration of International Safety Day (April 28) and Labor Day (May 1), on 28 April 2024, online, from Quezon City. The celebration revolved around two themes: Theme 1 on OSH as ILO fundamental principle, and Theme 2 on Negotiating ILO C190 provisions in CBAs. Some 77 trade union officers connected from different places in the country.

The President Milagros Ogalinda reported on NTUC Phl’s recent actions on violence and harassment (VnH),, OSH, and organizing, collective bargaining, and other labor issues and developments.

Short summaries on actions’ on various issues ranging from agriculture to artificial intelligence, labor standards to free trade agreements (RCEP), and living wages to slow labor justice to flawed implementation of labor and social regulations, and other initiatives and engagements by NTUC Phl and its affiliates were flashed on-screen.

ILS/DOLE Executive Director Jeanette Tana Damo discussed progress on the implementation of ILO Convention 190. NTUC Phl uses this kind of engagement to push forward its issues and concerns.

OSHC/DOLE Director Jose Maria Batino 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. He reported DOLE’s efforts in the implementation of the OSH law and progress towards amendment of implementing regulations.

HGS C. Bagtas led the discussions on How to negotiate anti-VnH provisions in CBAs
and develop jointly with management Enterprise-Based Mechanisms on VnH. 21 NTUC Phl local unions already have ILO C190 language in negotiated CBA provisions. Other unions are negotiating on the same. NTUC Phl unions did not wait for ratification, but have negotiated enterprise-based mechanisms that need to be done anyway.

DGS Angelita Senorin introduced the affiliates and the federation leaders present and the day’s program. She shepherded the Assembly in the discussions and recommendations for the NTUC Phl Women and Youth Agenda, 2024-2028.

NTUC Phl Vice President and TOPPS President Maria Teresa Cayabyab on behalf of NTUC Phl, Women Co-Chair and CIO-PACIWU Vice President Josefina Lim on behalf of women participants, and Karen Badilla of NATOW on behalf of youth participants gave next-steps remarks at closing. Youth representative Karen also facilitated the proceedings.