Noy hit for approving laws on workers

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has earned the ire of organized labor in signing two new laws allegedly detrimental to the rights of workers.

Elmer Labog, Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) chairman, said the government tries to package these two laws as pro-labor.

The KMU said the law creating the National Tripartite Industrial Peace Council facilitates the collusion among the government, big capitalists and pro-business labor groups against workers.

On the other hand, the law requiring mandatory conciliation of all labor disputes restricts the right of workers to go on strike.

Aquino signed into law the act declaring tripartism in labor relations as a state policy.

It also mandates the establishment of a National Tripartite Industrial Peace Council to be headed by the secretary of labor and employment.

Republic Act 10396 mandates conciliation-mediation as a voluntary mode of dispute settlement for labor-related cases.

The Department of Labor and Employment and the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines said the two new laws are expected to boost business and promote the welfare of workers.

Labor officials believe the law on tripartism would enable the government, employers and workers to work together and come out with new labor regulations.

A long and costly litigation can be avoided since the new law requires employers and employees to undergo mandatory conciliation efforts to settle labor disputes, labor officials added.

However, Labog said Aquino is trying to tighten control over workers to ensure that  big capitalists earn profits.

In the past, tripartism has resulted in the crafting of anti-labor policies and compulsory arbitration has been used to delay the strike of workers, he added.

Labog said the new laws complement the government’s refusal to hike wages.

The new laws will force more workers nationwide to join protests before and after Labor Day, he added.