URGENT APPEAL | Labor coalition urges Marcos to step up in addressing workers’ concerns

May 8, 2023 , 10:20 AM

By Beatrice Puente

(May 8, 2023) – President Bongbong Marcos Jr. must heed the demand of labor groups to adequately address the issues besetting the sector, the Nagkaisa Labor Coalition said on Sunday, noting that the administration is falling short of its responsibilities.

According to the group, the killings, intimidation, and other abuses suffered by labor advocates must prompt the government to take proactive measures to better protect the rights and welfare of workers.

“Unless the government takes substantial steps to demonstrate its intention to heed the recommendations of the ILO (International Labor Organization) High-Level Tripartite Mission beyond the issuance of EO (executive order) 23, the country will undoubtedly face scrutiny by the ILO,” said the group.

With the continued labor violations in the country, the group added that the Philippines is among the shortlisted countries for examination at the International Labor Conference in Geneva in June.

The coalition, which is headed by Atty. Sonny Matula, noted that this inclusion stems from the 69 cases of killings of trade union leaders and organizers. It added that around 400 other violations of Convention 87, which refers to the Convention of the Freedom of Association, were also cited.

Ahead of Labor Day last week, Marcos signed EO 23 to form an inter-agency committee that seeks to expedite the probe, prosecution, and resolution of cases on the violation of workers’ rights. It is headed by the executive secretary while the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) secretary sits as vice chairperson.

“There is an urgent need to reinforce and protect the freedom of association and right to organize of workers by expediting the investigation, prosecution, and resolution of cases for alleged violation thereof,” read the order.

But the Nagkaisa Labor Coalition pointed out that the panel must turn into a tripartite commission instead to include representatives from workers’ and employers’ groups. For them, this setup is more desirable since it abides by the principles of tripartism and social dialogue stipulated by ILO Convention 144.

“This body would serve as the primary mechanism for addressing worker issues and seeking justice for the countless victims of violations of freedom of association and trade union rights,” said the group.

Last month, Alex Dolorosa of the BPO Industry Employee’s Network Pilipinas was brutally stabbed and killed in Bacolod. Nine trade unionists and human rights defenders also died at the hands of state forces during the so-called “Bloody Sunday” raids in Calabarzon in 2021.

The coalition urged DOLE secretary Bienvendo Laguesma to schedule a meeting between Marcos and trade unions for him to directly hear their proposals on how to respond to these pressing concerns.

Since last week, labor groups have already criticized the lack of consultation before releasing EO 23.

“It is time for the government to act and demonstrate its dedication to upholding the principles of decent work and social justice for all,” stressed Nagkaisa Labor Coalition.

(PM)

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