Philippine unions tackle labour issues together

INDONESIA: While attending the IMF Central Committee, IMF affiliates MWAP and PMA met with Regional Executive Committee Members and IMF Leadership. Building cooperation between the unions has been a priority for the IMF since they affiliated. The unions have committed to building up cooperation between the organizations to benefit workers in the Philippines.

Prior to the meeting with DOLE the unions met independently for the first time to coordinate their efforts and to sign a joint letter to Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz at DOLE outlining metalworkers’ concerns. The leaders of the unions also met with Director Rebecca Chato at DOLE to present their concerns in person.
The concerns included:

• Application, implementation and enforcement of existing labour laws and workers rights
• Casualization of the work force
• Issues surrounding an acceptable living wage
• Freedom of association and recognition of ILO standards related to EPZs

During the meeting with DOLE the director presented the delegation with the Department’s Order 18-a. This deals with contracting and subcontracting arrangements under national law. Both unions expressed concerns and agreed to take part in a DOLE tripartite body to represent metalworkers. The unions will also seek subsequent representation to present their alternatives. In 2012 the unions will develop a joint action plan and undertake regular exchanges of information through joint meetings. The areas for inclusion in the action plan may be collective bargaining tactics (some exchange has already taken place), organizing targets and the response to DOLE.

Additionally, MWAP and PMA agreed to reach out to affiliates of other Global Union Federations in order to promote better coordination and to develop a common position on national labour laws for trade unions across the Philippines.

Jyrki Raina, IMF General Secretary informed the unions "I’m pleased to see that the two unions have presented a common front to DOLE in the interest of workers. This is a significant signal of intent in an important country for us."

In recognition of the increasing level of cooperation and also delivering on the outcomes of the IMF National Leadership Workshop the IMF plans to increase its activities in the Philippines in 2012.