Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1989, published 76th ILC session (1989)

Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98) - Philippines (Ratification: 1953)

1. Article 4 of the Convention. The Committee notes with interest the information contained in the reports submitted by the Government. In particular, it notes that Executive Orders Nos. 126 and 251 of 1987 provide for the establishment of a National Conciliation and Mediation Board and of a Voluntary Arbitration Fund which can be used to subsidise the cost of voluntary arbitration. The Committee asks the Government to keep it informed as to the operation of both the Board and the Fund.

2. Articles 4 and 6. As regards the development of collective bargaining in the public sector, the Committee notes with interest the promulgation of Executive Order No. 180 in June 1987. This Order called for the creation of a Public Sector Labour Management Council and set out guide-lines for the exercise of the right to organise of government employees. The Committee further notes that the Tripartite Review Committee endorsed an alternative proposal for the creation of a Public Sector Labour Board with responsibility, inter alia, for developing the process of collective bargaining and dispute resolution in the public sector. The tripartite committee also prepared a draft bill to establish such a board.

The Committee asks the Government to keep it informed as to the developments in this area, and to provide a copy of the legislation if and when it becomes a law.