Public sector in the Philippines

Press statement on the Senate concurrence of ILO Convention 151

Press statement by Director Khalid Hassan of the ILO Country Office for the Philippines on the concurrence of the ratification of Convention 151 Labour Relations (Public Service) Convention, 1978 by the Senate of the Philippines

Statement | Manila, Philippines | 14 August 2017
The Philippines is the first country in Asia and the 54th member State of the ILO to ratify the Labour Relations (Public Service) Convention, 1978 known as ILO Convention 151. The ILO Country for the Philippines recognizes the strong commitment and major progress made through the government, employers and workers organizations to reach this important milestone that started in 2011.

The ILO welcomes the concurrence of the Senate to complete the national ratification procedure, which will then be transmitted and registered at the ILO as an instrument of ratification. Ratifying ILO Convention 151 highlights the commitment of the government to serve as model employers in the public sector, by extending to as many civil servants as possible the right to freedom of association and the right to engage in all other forms of social dialogue, including collective bargaining. The ILO would like to congratulate the public sector workers’ group for their untiring efforts to advocate for the Convention’s ratification.

About 2.3 million government employees, civil servants and all persons employed by public authorities in the country regardless of whether they are permanent, contractual, casual or job order employees, shall have, as other workers, the right to decent work.

ILO Convention 151 seeks to guarantee decent work and trade union rights for those in the public sector or government, which in most countries is the biggest employer. Specifically, the Convention guarantees protection of the right to organize, facilities to be granted by the government to public employees’ organizations, procedures for determining terms and conditions of employment, settlement of disputes in connection with the determination of and conditions of employment, and civil and political rights.

ILO Convention 151 is not only about providing decent work in the public sector, but also improving governance and delivery of services. It will help create transparent conditions to fight corruption and to foster an ethical work culture.

The ILO stands ready to support the Philippines and to provide technical assistance towards ensuring that national policies and practices are aligned with international standards set under Convention 151.

For further information please contact:

Minette Rimando
Media and Public Information
ILO Country Office for the Philippines
Tel.: +63 2 580 9900 or 580 9905
Email