Philippines, US officials hold dialogue on advancing labor rights
By Trixee Rosel
Senior Philippine and United States government officials held a dialogue to discuss areas of collaboration in the advancement of labor rights.
DOLE Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto R. Bitonio Jr. expressed the Philippines' appreciation for the reestablishment of the Labor Working Group as a platform for productive discussions with the United States.
“The objective of the Labor Working Group is to foster cooperation between the two sides on trade and investment and other related issues in labor and employment in order to promote the mutual interests of both parties,” said Bitonio.
The Labor Undersecretary emphasized the significance of holding technical-level meetings to elaborate on the process of reactivating the working group.
Jennifer Oetken, Director for Labor Affairs of the Office of the United States Trade Representative, also discussed the US government's initiatives to promote a trade policy that prioritizes workers' rights and strives to eliminate forced labor in supply chains worldwide.
The US government official further acknowledged the Philippine government's endeavors in promoting labor rights and identifying potential areas of alignment for the successful enforcement of globally recognized labor standards.
DOLE has outlined its key focus areas in the promotion of employment and human resource development, safeguarding labor rights, and ensuring social protection for workers as part of the Labor and Employment Plan 2023-2028.
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority, the Commission on Human Rights, and the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict shared their successful strategies in good governance and their individual responsibilities in upholding and advancing labor rights.
The DOLE has confirmed the government's commitment to collaborate with both the labor and employer sectors to tackle different labor-related concerns.
Meanwhile, Oetken stated that the discussion has effectively pinpointed key areas of focus, which will be communicated to the US government for potential assistance.