Democracy Development Project

RESEARCH STUDIES

Resolving Social Security Issues
THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT AND THE LABOR
SECTOR IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND NEGOTIATION
1996

This study highlights the case of non-remittance of social security contributions and the non-payment of benefits to workers in the Philippine Economic Zone in Rosario, Cavite. It assesses the efforts undertaken by various sectors, particularly the national government & the labor sector in addressing social security issues and problems within the existing structures, processes & modes of conflict resolution and negotiation. It proposes improvements in the structure and process of conflict resolution and negotiation.

Overseas Contract Workers’ Policy
THE LABOR SECTOR IN NEGOTIATION WITH
THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT
AND OTHER LABOR POLICY MAKING BODIES
1996

Overseas contract workers contribute significantly to the growth of the Philippine economy. The study assesses the policies on overseas employment as a whole and determines what needs to be done in response to the changes and developments in the labor markets. It points to the benefits OCWs can derive from trade union actions as well as identifies training needs of trade unionists for more effective integration of overseas employment concerns in trade union work.

Eliminating Child Labor
THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT AND THE
LABOR SECTOR IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND
NEGOTIATION IN ELIMINATING CHILD LABOR
1995

The cases presented and analyzed in this study indicate the gravity of the child labor problem, the corresponding efforts undertaken by different institutions to address child labor issues, the gaps and improvements needed in existing laws, structures and processes. Measures proposed to eliminate child labor include strengthening of child labor laws including the adoption of Convention No. 138; prosecution of violators; setting-up of special courts for speedy disposition of child labor cases; extensive information campaign, awareness raising and advocacy work; and allocation of more resources from the government and other institutions to sustain child labor programs and other related activities.

Transfer of Ownership and Management of a Sugar Plantation to its Workers
THE LABOR SECTOR IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND
NEGOTIATION IN TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP AND
MANAGEMENT OF A SUGAR PLANTATION TO ITS WORKERS
1995

The study shows how the sugar plantation workers of the Kabankalan Sugar Company prepared for and became its owners and managers. It also evaluates the performance of the workers as managers and recommends measures to enhance their capability in running the cooperative and in improving the productivity and profitability of the entire sugar estate.

A Lumber Company on the Verge of Closure
THE LABOR SECTOR IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND
NEGOTIATION IN A LUMBER COMPANY ON THE VERGE OF CLOSURE
1995

The case highlights the development and assessment of the labor dispute and attempts at resolving the conflict in the Nasipit Lumber Company. The study recommends, among other things, workers’ education on negotiation and conflict-resolution skills including knowledge in handling the company and industry’s economic and financial information. Given the vulnerability of the workers under the present situation and the number of displaced workers, the study recommends a package of socio-economic assistance for disadvantaged workers.

Labor Contracting Issue (TIPC)
THE LABOR SECTOR IN NEGOTIATION WITHIN
THE TRIPARTITE INDUSTRIAL PEACE COUNCIL AND
IN THE CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES
1995

The study traces the handling of the issue on labor-only contracting (LOC) in the tripartite industrial peace council. It calls attention to better preparation and participation by labor representatives although showing that internal TUCP mechanisms can correct deficiencies (but only after losing some time).

A Plant Closure at an Export Processing Zone
THE LABOR SECTOR IN CONFLICT
RESOLUTION AND NEGOTIATION IN A PLANT
CLOSURE AT AN EXPORT PROCESSING ZONE
1995

The case study presents and analyzes the series of events related to the development of the labor dispute in Lotus Export Specialist, a Korean-owned and registered manufacturer of brand shoes like Reebok, Adidas, Nike. At completion of the study, workers’ complaints were still pending resolution. The study critiques the conflict resolution approaches taken by the government, management and labor sectors and attempts to determine and assess the needs of the workers in terms of enhancing their capability and skills in negotiation and conflict resolution.

Regional Manpower Policy Representation (RMC)
THE LABOR SECTOR IN NEGOTIATION
WITHIN THE REGIONAL MANPOWER COUNCIL
1995

This paper assesses the quality of the regional human resource planning apparatus as a whole: and determines what needs to be done to improve worker sector representation planning institutions at the regional level. The RMC experience indicates (1) the need for workers’ representatives to develop a broader view of their work at the regional tripartite bodies and (2) the need to take a more proactive strategy to promote and protect workers’ interests through their work in regional tripartite institutions.

Minimum Wage Settings in the Regions (RTWPB)
THE LABOR SECTOR IN NEGOTIATION WITHIN THE
REGIONAL TRIPARTITE WAGES AND PRODUCTIVITY BOARD
1995

The study evaluates the role of RTWPBs based on the performance of the Board in Northern Mindanao (based in Cagayan de Oro City) as well as the roles of labor representatives in the Boards. It also identifies capacity-building needs of RTWPB labor representatives and suggests ways of improving their performance so that maximum benefits may be derived by the labor sector for the workers and their families.

A Telecommunications Company (NCMB)
THE LABOR SECTOR IN NEGOTIATION WITH
GOVERNMENT LABOR MEDIATION INSTITUTIONS
1995

The study presents and analyzes the series of events related to the development of conflicts at the Philippine Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (PT&T), beginning with the representation issue and culminating in management’s appeal of the reinstatement of the dismissed employees (charged with holding illegal strikes) and payment of their back wages: and the execution of quitclaims by dismissed employees upon the initiative of the Company’s legal counsel. The study analyzes the negotiations & conflict resolution process and approaches and assesses the needs of workers in terms of enhancing their negotiation and conflict resolution skills.