CMNT_TITLE

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

Article 4 of the Convention. Ratification requirements for collective agreements in the electricity sector. The Committee notes that the Center of United and Progressive Workers (SENTRO) denounces the Philippine National Electrification Administration (NEA) policies, in particular a Memorandum from January 2014, directing electric cooperatives to have their bargaining agreements ratified by entities other than those provided for in the law, thus restricting freedom of collective bargaining. The Government replies that the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has met with the NEA and agreed to issue a Memorandum of Agreement to establish a continuing dialogue, draft joint guidelines and conduct other joint activities to ensure that the rights of employees of electric cooperatives, including the right to self-organization and collective bargaining, are protected. According to the Government, this Memorandum of Agreement was sent to the social partners for comments before finalization. The Committee takes note of this information and requests the Government to indicate what additional ratification requirements are imposed on electric cooperatives by the NEA policies and to provide information on any developments in relation to this matter, including how it is addressed by the DOLE–NEA Memorandum of Agreement.