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DOLE, NEA craft measures to protect workers in power sector

Philippines | National

DOLE, NEA craft measures to protect workers in power sector

By Trixee Rosel

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the National Electrification Administration (NEA) discussed labor policies affecting collective bargaining and employment conditions in the power sector.

DOLE Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto R. Bitonio, Jr. said the discussion sought to refine policies that protect workers' rights while ensuring the sector's long-term viability.

Bitonio reaffirmed DOLE’s commitment to upholding workers’ freedom of association and collective bargaining, stressing the importance of aligning labor policies with industry sustainability.

NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano C. Almeda highlighted the agency’s role in safeguarding workers’ benefits while ensuring the financial stability of electric cooperatives (ECs), citing studies that guide salary structures and categorization policies.

Labor representatives, led by lawyer Arnie De Vera of POWER-SENTRO, raised concerns over restrictive collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), limitations on retirement fund management, and the need for greater flexibility in financially stable ECs.

NEA maintained that its regulatory framework promotes responsible financial management while addressing labor concerns.

POWER President Edwin Biocos emphasized the role of labor organizations in fostering transparency and accountability, adding that cooperative management must honor labor agreements while ensuring financial responsibility.

The dialogue reaffirmed all parties’ commitment to continuous engagement, with POWER recognizing the DOLE-NEA Memorandum of Agreement (MOA ) as a key step in strengthening labor-management cooperation.

Bitonio noted that the discussion marked the beginning of a broader initiative to refine labor policies in the power sector, with stakeholders agreeing to sustain dialogues that balance financial viability and workers’ rights.

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