DOLE dialogue boosts workers’ right to organize

The Department of Labor and Employment in Western Visayas convened a multisectoral dialogue on freedom of association and civil liberties on June 30, 2026, in Iloilo City.

The dialogue brought together 70 participants from government agencies, workers’ organizations, employers, the security sector and the private security sector.

The activity aimed to strengthen awareness and collaboration in protecting workers’ fundamental rights, particularly freedom of association and the exercise of civil liberties.

Divine Grace B. Gabunas, DOLE-6 regional mediator-arbiter, opened the program by emphasizing the importance of dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation in fostering harmonious and productive labor relations.

Gabunas discussed freedom of association as a fundamental labor right guaranteed under Philippine law and international treaties ratified by the government.

These treaties include International Labour Organization Convention No. 87, formally known as the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention.

The 1987 Constitution guarantees workers’ rights to self-organization, collective bargaining, negotiations and peaceful concerted activities, including lawful strikes.

The Philippines ratified ILO Convention No. 87 and Convention No. 98 on collective bargaining in December 1953.

The learning sessions also covered the principle that freedom of association is both a workers’ right and a human right.

Participants were briefed on the development of workers’ rights and the establishment of the ILO, including its mandate, functions and monitoring bodies.

Gabunas also explained the relationship between international trade agreements and domestic labor conditions, which forms part of assessments of the Philippines’ compliance with freedom-of-association standards.

The session presented the salient provisions of Joint Memorandum Order No. 1, series of 2024, or the Omnibus Guidelines on the Exercise of Freedom of Association and Civil Liberties.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. formally adopted the guidelines through Executive Order No. 97 on Sept. 19, 2025.

The guidelines aim to promote, respect and protect the freedom of association of workers and employers.

They also streamline stakeholders’ functions and responsibilities to improve coordination in protecting freedom of association.

The presentation clarified the responsibilities and limitations of frontline government agencies in handling labor disputes.

Jorge S. Ferraris II, officer in charge of the Technical Support and Services Division, facilitated the afternoon dialogue and open forum.

The session allowed participants to raise concerns, exchange insights and clarify issues involving freedom of association and civil liberties in the workplace.

Representatives from labor, management and government discussed challenges affecting workers’ right to organize and considered possible solutions.

Concerns included reported restrictions on the formation of workers’ unions in the business process outsourcing industry.

Participants also raised allegations of harassment during legitimate labor actions.

Another concern was the limited awareness of labor rights among lower-ranking security personnel.

Ferraris assured participants that the concerns raised by BPO employees would be forwarded to the Office of the Regional Director because of the seriousness of the matters presented.

Participants also cited the widening gap between the minimum wage and a living wage.

They raised the need for legal or paralegal representation during Single Entry Approach conferences.

Other concerns included alleged management failures to remit PhilHealth contributions and comply with other social protection obligations.

Participants also sought greater workers’ involvement during DOLE workplace inspections.

Workplace safety during emergencies was likewise raised.

SEnA is DOLE’s mandatory conciliation-mediation process for settling labor and employment disputes before they develop into formal cases.

Ferraris clarified that SEnA conferences are conciliatory rather than adversarial proceedings.

He said lawyers are discouraged from participating because the process is intended to help the parties negotiate a voluntary settlement.

On workers’ participation in workplace inspections, participants were told that the labor secretary’s visitorial and enforcement authority may be exercised only by duly authorized DOLE personnel.

Ferraris committed to submitting the remaining concerns to the office of DOLE-6 Regional Director Sixto T. Rodriguez Jr. for appropriate action.

The activity concluded with participants renewing their commitment to protect workers’ rights through constructive dialogue, compliance with labor standards and stronger partnerships among stakeholders.