Topic: 2024-Right to Organize
Country: Philippines
Delegate Name: Kyu Lee
Philippines
International Labour Organization
February, 2024
Right to Organize
In navigating the legal terrain and constitutional principles, the Philippines firmly upholds the right of all workers to self-organization, as laid out in the 1987 Constitution. Section 3 of Article XIII explicitly outlines the State’s responsibility to protect both organized and unorganized labor, guaranteeing workers the right to self-organization, collective bargaining, negotiations, and peaceful concerted activities, including the right to strike within the confines of the law. Moreover, Section 8 of the same Article reiterates the right of the people, covering both public and private sector employees, to form unions, associations, or societies for lawful purposes, emphasizing the non-negotiable nature of this fundamental right.
Presently, while trade unions operate independently, they influence less than 10 percent of the labor force. Despite this, collective bargaining is common among unionized workers, and the option for strikes remains open, subject to unions providing proper notice and securing majority approval from their members.The Philippines acknowledges the essential role of a strong and progressive labor relations environment in fostering professionalized, trained, motivated, and efficient public sector employees. This is crucial for sustaining good governance and delivering high-quality public services.
In line with its commitment to international standards, the Philippines, through the ratification of ILO Convention No. 151, recognizes the need to upgrade its laws and practices regarding freedom of association and collective bargaining, especially in the public sector. This proposed measure addresses crucial gaps in public sector labor relations, focusing on the protection of the right to organize, facilities for public sector employee organizations, procedures for determining terms and conditions of employment, civil and political rights, and dispute resolution linked to the determination of employment conditions.
These proposed measures signify a step towards a more inclusive, rights-driven labor environment, reflecting the nation’s dedication to progress and fairness in its labor relations. In essence, the Philippines aims to uphold its constitutional mandate while acknowledging the need for continuous improvement in its labor relations framework, and is looking forward to discussing and meeting a strong agreement to provide this right globally.
