Govt, labor unions ink manifesto on freedom of association and collective bargaining

MANILA, Jan 4 (PIA)– The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the labor sector recently signed a Manifesto of Commitment, which outlines future actions for the promotion of the fundamental freedoms of association and collective bargaining.

The signing was held at the end of DOLE-PNP Labor Summit on the Protection and Promotion of Workers’ Rights at the Bayleaf Hotel in Intramuros, Manila.

Police Director General Nicanor Bartolome and P/Sr. Supt. Gregorio Pua signed for the Philippine National Police (PNP), Labor and Employment Secretary Baldoz and Usec. Hans Leo Cacdac were the signatories for the DOLE, while signatories for the labor sector included Jesus Villamor, Victorino Balais, and Ramon Ojeda of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines.

The event capped the series of consultations and forums on how to improve the Philippines’ adherence to international labor standards and address the lingering issues on the freedom of association, as identified by the International Labor Organization (ILO) High Level Mission to the Philippines in 2009.

During the signing Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz lauded the openness and sincerity of both the PNP and labor in directly addressing the issues relevant to freedom of association.

The signatories to the manifesto have committed to conduct social dialogue; ensure the observance of the Joint-PNP-PEZA guidelines in the conduct of PNP Personnel, Economic Zone Police and Security Guards, company security guards, and similar personnel during labor disputes; establish a mechanism to allow joint implementation and monitoring of said guidelines including its periodic review and adjustments, as needed; support initiatives to reform the justice system to facilitate the resolution of alleged extra-judicial killings, specifically to strengthen forensic investigations; and conduct other joint activities, as required, to further achieve the goals of the manifesto.

The signatories also committed to actively sustain and conduct joint orientation in the national, regional, and provincial level, together with other relevant partners as required, to raise awareness of all government and non-government sectors towards consciously adhering and abiding with the provisions of the Philippine Constitution, the Labor Code of the Philippines, the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, International labor Standards, and other international treaties, accords, and instruments to which the Philippines is a signatory. (DOLE/RJB/SDL-PIA NCR)