A family living wage has moved into discussions between labor groups and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) pressed for a clearer benchmark in determining workers’ pay.
During a meeting with Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino, TUCP proposed discussing the guiding principles for determining a family living wage, alongside other long-running labor concerns.
‘We are with you in that aspect; that is part of the Constitution, the terminology of living wage,’ Tolentino said in response.
TUCP also raised freedom of association, security of tenure, certification elections, maritime voluntary arbitration and collective bargaining agreements during the talks.
Among the measures it sought support for were House bills that would strengthen union formation and rationalize government intervention in labor disputes.
Other proposals would remove dismissal and imprisonment as penalties for workers who participate in strikes.
Labor representatives also brought up legislation needed to implement International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 190, which addresses violence and harassment in the world of work.
Talks, likewise, covered ILO Convention No. 188 on work in fishing and Convention No. 193 on decent work in the platform economy, both of which Tolentino supported.
Concerns involving workers in the electric cooperative and sugar industries were also discussed, with labor officials providing updates on issues raised by TUCP.
Tolentino told the group that the department would remain open to criticism and concerns from workers.
‘If we make mistakes, criticize us. I’ve been trying to be very transparent. If you have any concerns, just let me know,’ he said.