ECOP head pushes for workers’ rights

The head of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) is calling on business leaders to promote workers’ human rights, eliminate forced labor, uphold the abolition of child labor and protect the environment.

Donald G. Dee, ECOP president, made the call ahead of the 23rd National Conference and Exhibition of Employers, to be held on May 30 and 31 at the Westin Philippine Plaza.

The theme of this year’s conference is "Global Compact Initiative, Reaching Out and Making It Work." In a press statement, Dee asked Philippine employers to incorporate into their own policies the core principles derived from the universally accepted agreements on human rights, labor standards and the environment.

Among those core principles are respecting workers’ human rights, upholding the freedom of association and recognizing workers’ rights to collective bargaining. Eliminating all forms of forced labor, upholding the abolition of child labor, eliminating discrimination in workforce, promoting greater environmental responsibility and encouraging the development of environmentally-friendly technology are also part of the international agreements.

ECOP said it is cognizant of the need to build a social and environmental framework to support and safeguard open markets, but added that it is also committed to supporting the needs of workers and protecting the environment.