TUCP: Unions want condoms

Hard times nowadays have been prompting workers to seek better coverage in collective bargaining agreements (CBAs): salary increases, clothing allowance, rice subsidy — and a weekly supply of condoms.

Several labor unions have, in fact, successfully forged CBAs with a specific stipulation on free condoms for workers, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) said.

TUCP spokesman Alex Aguilar said that workers from Jollibee, one of the country’s largest food chains, are among the many beneficiaries of free-condom CBAs.

"Members of those unions with provisions (for) condoms are entitled to at least three condoms a week whether married or single," Aguilar said.

He noted that they are not promoting promiscuity among workers because even if they did not distribute condoms, the workers can still buy them on their own.

TUCP and its affiliate unions deem it necessary for labor groups not only to fight for better working conditions but also to ensure better lives for workers.

"We feel that at this time there is a need for all workers to be aware and be provided with reproductive health services. Workers should be planning the number of their children," Aguilar said.

He added that the country’s population has already ballooned to almost 80 million, thus affecting the country’s economic growth and eventually the living conditions of poor workers.

TUCP agrees with the government’s policy of making family planning services available to all Filipinos, letting them decide whether they would avail of these services or not.

As part of the TUCP’s program to promote reproductive health, Aguilar said they are conducting free seminars on family planning for workers and their spouses.