Freedom of association and collective bargaining

Promoting the Effective Recognition and Implementation of the Fundamental Rights of Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining in the Philippines

This project emanates from observations and concerns expressed by the ILO supervisory bodies regarding difficulties in the exercise of the fundamental rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) with funding support from the US Department of State, has implemented a programme to promote the right of freedom of association and effective use of collective bargaining in the Philippines.

Project background

This project emanates from observations and concerns expressed by the ILO supervisory bodies regarding difficulties in the exercise of the fundamental rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining. More specifically, in terms of obstacles created by; certain sections of the Philippine Labor Code, the lack of effective collective bargaining and cases of civil liberty and trade union rights violations up to and including, extrajudicial killings of trade union members and officials. Following an ILO high level mission in September 2009 and in conjunction with the government of the Philippines own objectives and plans to promote international labour standards, this project will aim to support the government and social partners achieve those goals.

Project strategy

The project has three core elements:

To increase the capacities of the Government’s labour authorities (Department of Labor and Employment and Philippine Economic Zone Authority), at the local and national level, to be better equipped to promote and realize the rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining.

To promote effective bi-partite bargaining and tripartite social dialogue.

Better enforcement and protection of victims and potential victims of civil liberties, trade union and labour rights violations.

Key partners

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)
•Workers and Employers Organizations
Armed Forces of Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP)
•Judicial and quasi-judicial bodies

For further information please contact:

ILO Country Office for the Philippines (CO-Manila)
19th Floor, Yuchengco Tower
RCBC Plaza, 6819 Ayala Avenue
1200 Makati City, Philippines
Tel. +632 8580 9900
Fax +632 8856 7597
Email