2012: Positive outlook for labor

 This year of the Dragon will most likely be a very auspicious year for labor. There will be a lot of exciting developments in the labor front, both good and not so good. But this time, we would rather focus on the positive. The present leadership of the Department of Labor and Employment is preparing a package of reforms in labor governance. 

 In fact, we are about to launch a LABOR GOVERNANCE ACADEMY where we shall train and develop our officials and staff on the art and science of service excellence, optimum productivity in our operations and world class quality of service delivery. Without much ado, Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz, just before the end of 2011, has started a massive reshuffle of regional directors and other agency officials. There will be a lot more things to come. For the moment, we are predicting that these changes will generate some positive developments in the labor front.

 1. MORE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

 The Aquino government, by its active trade missions and economic diplomacy, has attracted billions of foreign investments. This year, major infrastructure projects, like highways, railways, bridges, airports, seaports, school buildings and public offices will be constructed. Foreign capital is also coming in joint ventures, major corporate mergers and acquisitions. Dollar remittances from OFWs will surpass the US $ 18 billion mark. These will trigger the creation of micro and medium scale enterprises.  All these will generate a trickle down effect, creating jobs and fueling economic activities in the countryside and the urban centers.

 2. MORE LIVING WAGE AND BENEFITS

 Legislators shall continue to enact better labor standard laws and the regional wage boards all over the country are on alert for any substantial change in the cost of living. Labor unions and employers’ organizations will be more and more involved in the task of wage-fixing, and the role of government will become less and less. Tripartism in wage-formulation will find government playing the role of convenor, mediator and conciliator only. The workers will get more benefits from collective bargaining, and voluntary grants by employers, rather than from legislative enactment.

 3. BETTER WORKERS’ HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE

 Both the government and the business sectors are expected to be more proactive in preventing work-related accidents, improving working conditions in order to minimize those dirty, difficult and dangerous jobs. Employers will be more solicitous of the workers’ health, safety and welfare. Both the SSS and the GSIS shall be more compassionate in awarding benefits arising from death, disability and death, and the Employees Compensation Commission shall not hesitate to revere the decisions of the Systems in reviewing appealed workers’ compensation cases.

 4. MORE STABLE INDUSTRIAL PEACE BASED ON JUSTICE

 The sad experience that came about from this year’s nasty and protracted strike and labor strife, involving PAL and one of its unions, will most likely not happen again. Both employers and unions have realized the futility of lose-lose confrontations and adversarial approaches. There will be more resort to conciliation and mediation, as well as voluntary arbitration, as the preferred modes of dispute-settlement. But industrial peace will be based on justice, rather than the unilateral impositions of employers and government.

 5. FASTER AND LESS EXPENSIVE LABOR JUSTICE

 Victims of illegal dismissals, non-payment of wages and benefits, unfair labor practices and other labor violations can expect a speedier delivery of labor justice. The present leadership of DOLE and the National Labor Relations Commission are stressing the need for expeditious and inexpensive labor justice. Labor Arbiters are expected to decide cases fast and the NLRC is called upon to continue improving its rate of disposition and case resolution.

Of course, 2012 will not be entirely a bed of roses. But with a more concerned and conscientious government, a lot of positive things are likely to unfold. Happy New Year to all workers, employers and DOLE officials and personnel.