DOLE updates guidelines to streamline labor dispute resolution

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued revised guidelines to enhance the resolution of labor disputes through conciliation-mediation.

DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the updated rules aim to provide a faster, fairer, and more accessible process for resolving employment-related issues for both workers and employers.

Issued under Department Order No. 249, series of 2025, the revised guidelines refine the Single Entry Approach (SEnA) program, a mandatory conciliation-mediation mechanism under Republic Act 10396.

The updates, developed through consultations with stakeholders, address implementation concerns and improve the quality of settlements under Requests for Assistance (RFA).

To expand access, RFAs may now be filed at the nearest DOLE office to the requesting party’s residence, covering gig workers and subcontractors.

The guidelines also clarify conditions under which representatives may file RFAs on behalf of parties, ensuring fairness and accessibility in the mediation process.

To streamline case handling, DOLE has integrated online systems for filing, processing, and resolving RFAs, reducing physical barriers and broadening coverage nationwide.

As part of this initiative, the department launched the DOLE Assistance for Request Management System (ARMS), the first phase of the Integrated Case Management System (ICMS), to centralize and monitor RFAs across all offices.

In 2024, DOLE processed 83,836 RFAs, resulting in P2.9 billion in claims benefiting 58,212 workers.

With the adoption of digital platforms, DOLE seeks to improve case management efficiency, eliminate duplicate filings, and strengthen labor dispute resolution.

The revised SEnA guidelines reaffirm DOLE’s commitment to industrial peace by reinforcing conciliation-mediation as the primary approach to workplace disputes.

Department Order No. 249 takes effect 15 days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation or the Official Gazette.