In cooperation with the Bureau of Labor Relations (BLR) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) has recently published a study on the “Framework for Strengthening Multi-Employer Bargaining in the Philippines”.
In this paper, multi-employer bargaining is described as one of the mechanisms to help address the issue on the dwindling number of workers covered by collective bargaining agreements which is a constitutional right in the Philippines, as well as a fundamental principle and right under the ILO standards.
However, at present, the policy needs to be strengthened and the provisions of the implementing rules need to be amended. The paper notes that there is a need to review DOLE Department Order No. 40-03, specifically on union membership coverage, workers representation, and provisions on multi-employer bargaining.
The study aims to propose a framework to strengthen multi-employer bargaining in the Philippines specifically by having an enabling environment by which the mechanism can be successfully implemented. It also seeks to examine existing policies on collective bargaining and identify its opportunities and limitations in addressing issues on labor and employment.
The research project is divided into three phases and is set to be implemented from 2018-2020. The first phase is focused on developing a framework to strengthen multi-employer bargaining, as well as reflecting the gaps in policy and practice of collective bargaining, looking at the factors contributing to its lack of implementation, and proposing policy and program recommendations. The second phase will involve benchmarking with other countries that are successfully implementing multi-employer bargaining. Finally, the third phase will seek help from the labor and employer sectors to volunteer to pilot industries that would implement multi-employer bargaining.
The full version of this paper can be accessed through this link:
http://ils.dole.gov.ph/framework-on-strengthening-multi-employer-bargaining-in-the-philippines/
https://1drv.ms/b/s!Apti8JlFkLDd-wEBBXFqNmBEz-ej?e=PhwS0g
