Trade and labor groups will push for the rule of law, dispensation of justice, and speedy disposition of labor cases in the forthcoming meetings with the International Labor Organization (ILO) here in Manila
This was emphasized by the Leaders Forum (LF), which is composed of business groups and trade unions, as they welcomed and prepare for the High-Level Tripartite Mission (HLTM) on the ILO on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize Convention, 1948 (No. 87). The three-day meeting will start next week, Jan. 23.
“Respect for labor rights as guaranteed by the Philippine Constitution, national labor laws and ILO Conventions is indispensable for investments and economic growth,” the LF joint statement added.
“As both labor and business groups are an invaluable pillar to any administration,” the LF statement added.
However, the LF stressed that it is also keenly aware of the important role of government in putting in place the policy and operational environment towards this end.
In the spirit of bipartism, the LF is keen to take appropriate steps and make the necessary follow through actions.
Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr., who is president of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), said ILO officials will first with the employers to be followed by the employees and government and a joint meeting after.
The LF is a national bipartite dialogue mechanism consisting of the largest business organizations, including the ECOP, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), and the Philippine Exporters Confederation (PHILEXPORT), and
the most representative trade unions in the country, including the Federation of Free Workers (FFW), Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (SENTRO), and the Trade Union
Congress of the Philippines (TUCP).
The HLTM is in line with the Committee on the Application of Standards (CAS) conclusions adopted at the 108th Session of the International Labour Conference in June 2019.