PH labor movement receives human rights award for ‘dedication’ amid danger

The Philippine labor movement is given the George Meany-Lane Kirkland Human Rights Award for its ‘dedication and courage’ amid dangerous conditions for trade unionists in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines – Several Filipino labor leaders, on behalf of the Philippine labor movement, received the prestigious George Meany-Lane Kirkland Human Rights Award from the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) for its “dedication and courage” amid a hostile environment for labor unions in the Philippines.

On Wednesday, December 6, local time in Washington DC, American national trade union center AFL-CIO presented the award to leaders of Philippine trade unions, including the Federation of Free Workers (FFW), Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (Sentro), Trade Union Congress of the Phiippines (TUCP), Public Services Labor Independent Confederation (PSLINK), Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), and BPO Industry Employee Network (BIEN).

“This recognition from such a storied institution as the AFL-CIO fortifies our resolve and validates our efforts in advocating for workers’ rights under challenging circumstances,” FFW said in a statement ahead of the awarding ceremony on Tuesday, December 5.

In its announcement of its conferment of the award to the Philippine labor movement in July, the AFL-CFO acknowledged how the Philippines was among the deadliest countries for workers.

AFL-CIO noted how labor leaders are red-tagged, which “allows for the aggressive surveillance, mistreatment, torture, imprisonment, and even killings of workers.”

“Amidst this dangerous reality, the Philippine labor movement continues to organize, build power and fight for the rights of workers across their country. In the face of threats to their own lives, our union brothers, sisters and siblings in the Philippines continue to garner global support for their campaign of resistance,” the AFL-CIO said.

The FFW said that the award serves not just as a recognition of its courage, but as a “beacon of solidarity, illuminating the path towards a global fraternity of labor organizations united in the pursuit of justice and equity.”

Dangerous conditions

The administration of then-president Rodrigo Duterte cracked down on dissent, which included workers and activists. Unions under Sentro had sounded the alarm over being red-tagged, or linked to the communist insurgency, by security forces.

In the 2020 International Trade Union Confederation’s Global Rights Index, the ITUC noted how Filipino union members were at risk of violence, intimidation, and murder. Some cases of murdered unionists in extrajudicial killings included Dennis Sequeña, who was shot and killed in Cavite in June 2019, and Reynaldo Malaborbor, who was also shot to death in November the same year in Laguna.

But even as the administration changed, labor leaders have continued to report union-busting and killings. Alex Dolorosa, paralegal officer and full-time officer of BIEN, was found dead with multiple stab wounds in Bacolod in April.

The AFL-CIO said in July that as human rights conditions in the Philippines deteriorated, the organization and its affiliates have worked to bring attention to the persecution of its Filipino partners to the international stage, including with the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the US government.

“The Filipino government has so far ignored international calls to establish new mechanisms to address freedom of association violations and hold perpetrators to account,” the AFL-CIO said.

In May, following the first Labor Day under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the President ordered the creation of an inter-agency panel to protect workers’ right to organize.

However, in July, several labor groups continued to press the Marcos administration to better protect their freedom to associate.

“We look at this award underscoring the legitimacy of trade union organizing, not as an act of political defiance, but as an exercise of a universally recognized right,” said FFW.

Meeting with US National Security Advisor

Ahead of the awarding, on Monday, December 4, the Philippine labor leaders met with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan to discuss US President Joe Biden’s recent memorandum on “advancing workers’ rights globally and the importance of freedom of association and collective bargaining in promoting sustainable economic growth and strong democratic societies.”

The FFW said that the labor leaders presented their “Ask List” regarding concerns for improving labor conditions in the Philippines, which included ending trade union killings and red-tagging, as well as enforcing labor rights through the establishment of a Presidential commission for workers’ free association, as per the ILO High-Level Tripartite Mission’s recommendations.

According to a readout from the White House, Sullivan reiterated the Biden administration’s commitment to support the efforts of workers in the US and abroad to form unions.

Sullivan also condemned all forms of harassment, intimidation, and violence against workers, and advocated for the exercising of their fundamental rights. –  Michelle Abad / Rappler.com 

Labor groups expect P150 legislated wage hike

DESPITE recent wage increases in 12 out of 17 regions, organized labor groups remain confident that the proposed P150 across-the-board legislated wage hike will be enacted into law.

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) and the Federation of Free Workers (FFF), two of the country's biggest labor organizations, said they were optimistic about the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 2002 after the Senate Committee on Labor and Employment wrapped up the work of the technical working group.

SB 2002, authored by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, calls for a P150 across-the-board increase in the minimum wage of workers in the private sector across the regions to cushion the impact of surging price spikes, which greatly diminished the take-home pay of minimum wage earners.

"TUCP stands in resolute support of Senate Bill 2002, which advocates for an across-the-board P150 wage increase for workers nationwide, as the Senate Committee on Labor and Employment wraps up the work of the technical working group (TWG) where TUCP consistently and actively participated in," said TUCP Vice President Luis Corral.

"Senate Bill 2002 is a beacon of hope for our workers, offering not just a financial reprieve but a tangible recognition of their invaluable contributions to our society. The proposed across-the-board P150 wage increase is not merely a matter of economics, but of simple justice, common fairness and respect for the worker that sustains our nation's progress," he added.

FFF President Sonny Matula said that while they appreciate the wage hike increases in 12 of the 17 regions of the country, the wage orders issued by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPB) were not enough or insufficient as they failed to address the glaring wage disparities among regions and within the agricultural sector, adding that the wage disparities perpetuate discrimination and hinder economic inclusivity.

"If the Senate and the House can act on the P150 across-the-board wage increase, it would be a significant help for ordinary workers, as it will boost the economy, particularly in rural areas," added Matula.

A counterpart measure, House Bill (HB) 7871, or the "Wage Recovery Act of 2023," has also been filed by House Deputy Speaker Raymond Democrtio Mendoza,

HB 7871 is meant to address the steady decline in the real value of wages due to surging inflation. It has already been approved at the committee level.

Corral said SB 2002 and HB 79871 represent a crucial step in addressing the pressing needs of the labor force, fostering a more equitable economic landscape, and addressing the growing gap between increased labor productivity and stagnant wage levels. 

Corral said SB 2002 and HB 79871 represent a crucial step in addressing the pressing needs of the labor force, fostering a more equitable economic landscape, and addressing the growing gap between increased labor productivity and stagnant wage levels. - By William B. Depasupil / The Manila Times

Labor groups laud Marcos’ ratification of ILO convention vs workplace harassment

The ILO Convention Concerning the Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work needs the concurrence of the Senate to take effect

MANILA, Philippines – Various labor groups expressed messages of triumph after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. endorsed to the Senate an International Labor Organization (ILO) convention that would seek to end violence and harassment in the workplace.

In a letter to the Senate, dated October 13 but released to the media on Wednesday, November 8, Marcos expressed his endorsement of ILO Convention 190 (C190), or the Convention Concerning the Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work, and sought the Senate’s concurrence.

In the “world of work,” C190 encompasses all sectors – from public to private, urban and rural, and in the formal and informal economy. The convention provides a common framework to address violence and harassment, including gender-based violence, the President highlighted.

“The ratification of ILO C190 will fortify the Philippine government’s mandate and policy in promoting and protecting the rights of Filipino workers, locally and overseas, by pushing for a work environment with zero tolerance for violence and harassment,” said Marcos.

“After examining the text thereof, I find it advisable to ratify [ILO C190] and seek the Senate’s concurrence thereto,” he added.

Some labor groups in Metro Manila engaged in a “last push” to urge Marcos to ratify the convention on September 27, highlighting how it would address the intersectional issues that cause workplace violence.

Marcos’ endorsement of the convention comes after years of lobbying and work from the labor sector.

‘Groundbreaking global treaty’

Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) Representative Raymond Mendoza said that the President’s ratification of this “groundbreaking global treaty” demonstrated the President’s resolve towards a modern Philippine society.

“His leadership from the front solidifies the Philippines as the newest priority investment hub through progressive, worker-centered and race-to-the-top labor relations,” said Mendoza, who is TUCP president.

Mendoza also thanked House Speaker Martin Romualdez for “steering” the House to adopt House Resolution No. 43, which sought the immediate ratification of ILO C190 in January.

“When workers live and work under fear of violence and discrimination and quid pro quo workplace sexual harassment – ’kapit sa patalim’ – amid the survival crisis of joblessness and poor job quality, worker morale and productivity dwindle. Thus, ratifying ILO C190 holistically promotes the welfare of both labor and business,” he said.

Mendoza added that ratifying ILO C190 would also help the Philippines inch closer to the end of the long list of abuses and brutal killings of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), such as Jullebee Ranara, Jeanelyn Villavende, and Joanna Demafelis, among others.    

 Victory of lobbying groups

  

In a joint statement, Public Services International (PSI), Building and Wood Workers International (BWI), IndustriALL Global Union, International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), and UNI Global Union cited the years of lobbying from labor groups for the Philippines to ratify the convention since it was adopted in 2019.

The groups urged the Senate to immediately concur.

“At a time when our workers continue to be subjected to different forms of violence and harassment including physical violence, psychological violence, sexual abuse and economic violence committed by various state and non-state offenders, ratifying ILO C190 is very much urgent and a big step forward towards ensuring decent work for all workers,” they said.

The groups also highlighted how the convention would help prevent discrimination against workers of various sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions (SOGIE), and similarly marginalized groups like persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and other workers experiencing various forms of discrimination.

Meanwhile, the Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa-Women (SENTRO-Women) said the state of the convention in the Philippines now is a product of years of campaigning, organizing, and mobilizing among workers.

“Sleepless nights were spent both on sharpening the content of the convention through direct participation in the ILO, and convincing governments such as the Philippines to support ratification,” said SENTRO-Women.

“Philippine ratification of C190 will be followed by a long and grueling process of instituting the necessary legislation, policies, and reforms to create an environment that fully respects the right of workers to live free from violence and harassment. To this end, the struggle for the emancipation and protection of the Filipino working class continues,” the group added.

Under the Philippine Constitution, for international treaties like ILO C190 to be valid and effective in the country, these need the ratification of the President, and the concurrence of at least two-thirds of all the members of the Senate. – 

  

– Rappler.com - MICHELLE ABAD

TUCP: Ratification of ILO Convention No. 190 against violence and harassment a milestone

After years of advocacy and legislative campaign for the welfare of millions of Filipino workers here and abroad, especially women and our OFWs, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) lauds His Excellency President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos, Jr. for the ratification of International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 190 or the Violence and Harassment Convention of 2019, calling the act a milestone of the current Administration and of the steadfast leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez at the House of Representatives in ensuring protection to our workers.

“The President’s ratification of this groundbreaking global treaty that seeks to end all forms of violence and harassment confronted by all types of workers demonstrates his Administration’s firm resolve towards a modern and modernizing Philippine society. His leadership from the front solidifies the Philippines as the newest priority investment hub through progressive, worker-centered and race-to-the-top labor relations—tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas para sa Manggagawang Pilipino,” stated House of Representatives Deputy Speaker and TUCP President Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza, who was one of the principal authors of House Resolution No. 43 adopted by the House of Representatives calling for the immediate ratification of ILO C190.

“The TUCP is grateful to Speaker Martin Romualdez for steering the House of Representatives to adopt House Resolution No. 43 calling for the immediate ratification of ILO C190 back in January 2023. We also thank our partners in the business groups for a bipartite campaign for its ratification. Now, we look forward to the concurrence of the Senate led by Senate President Juan Miguel ‘Migz’ Zubiri who vowed to vote for the concurrence to the ratification of ILO C190 and urged all concerned agencies to speed up the ratification and its deposit of the ratification document to the ILO,” added Mendoza.

ILO C190 comprehensively defines violence and harassment in the world of work as the “range of unacceptable behaviours and practices, or threats thereof, whether a single occurrence or repeated, that aim at, result in or are likely to result in physical, psychological, sexual or economic harm and includes gender-based violence and harassment.” It encompasses both private and public sectors, formal and informal economy, and urban and rural areas as it covers the entire world of work wherein violence and harassment may be occurring in the course of, linked with, or arising out of work. ILO C190 espouses an inclusive, integrated, and gender-responsive approach towards realizing our aspirations of a world free from violence and harassment.

“Regardless if one is in training, a worker whose employment is terminated, a volunteer, job applicant, or an individual exercising the authority, duties, or responsibilities of an employer, among others, ILO C190 protects you. The Philippines’ ratification of ILO C190 underscores that any form of violence, harassment, and abuse has no place in a decent and equitable society such as ours,” emphasized Mendoza.

“When workers live and work under fear of violence and discrimination and quid pro quo workplace sexual harassment—’kapit sa patalim’—amid the survival crisis of joblessness and poor job quality, worker morale and productivity dwindle. Thus, ratifying ILO C190 holistically promotes the welfare of both labor and business. This will be a ‘win-win’ opportunity for both employers and workers as it will upgrade our attractiveness for foreign direct investments (FDIs) because trade instruments, such as the US GSP, EU GSP+, and free trade agreements, are tied to the free and full exercise of labor rights and progressive labor relations in the country. We fervently hope that this will translate to hundreds of thousands of new, permanent, and decent jobs,” underscored Mendoza.

Ratifying ILO C190 now will place the Philippines as one of the first nations to have ratified it in the region and the world. By being one of the trailblazers that first ratified ILO C190, the Philippines will become a model nation that other countries should emulate. Early ratifications would allow other countries to follow suit, ensuring a minimum level of security for the millions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who have been vulnerable to abuse and harassment in their respective host countries for all these years.

“By ratifying ILO C190, we sincerely hope that we are inching closer to the end of the long list of abuses, bullying, and brutal killings suffered by our very own land-based and sea-based OFWs, such as the late Jullebee Ranara, Jeanelyn Villavende, and Joana Demapilis, among many others. Through this ratification, we declare to the world that violence and harassment has no place in the world of work in modern society,” emphasized Mendoza.

“Together as one nation, Bagong Pilipinas should breathe life and meaning to the principles of ILO C190 to spearhead our whole-of-society approach in uprooting the long dark history and culture of violence, harassment, and impunity, especially at work, and establishing our nation as a priority investment destination solidified by progressive, worker-centered, and race-to-the-top labor relations,” stated Mendoza. - Journal Online