Supporting private sector-led initiatives for job creation and job preservation, business groups urged government to do its part in addressing worker-related issues that go beyond compliance to labor laws – from wage subsidies to work flexibility and social protection.
The Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) and the Makati Business Club (MBC) in separate statements released yesterday paid tribute to the country’s workers in celebration of Labor Day today, May 1, honoring them for their contribution to the economy in the face of high inflation and post-pandemic recovery.
“ECOP remains committed to collaborate and partner with the country’s workers, especially through the organizations that represent them, so that jobs could be preserved, employment could be generated, decent work could be pursued,” the group said in a statement.
ECOP stressed the need to “remain focused on our objective of providing them better pay and benefits, safe and healthy working conditions, and exercise of their rights provided by the Constitution and the Labor Code. “
“The thrust should not just be to be merely compliant with the laws but go beyond compliance in equilibrium with the aim of business sustainability based on human-centered strategies,” ECOP said.
MBC in a statement urged government to redouble its efforts in reducing inflation, which has peaked to a 14-high, to make it easier for working Filipinos enjoy the fruits of their labor.
The group urged the Senate to pass its counterpart bill to House Bill 6253, approved by the House of Representatives in 2021,
that would give workers a five-day mental health leave.
MBC also wants the flexibility on work arrangements like hybrid work given to business process outsourcing (BPOs) extended to other businesses, including the electronics sector.
The MBC pushes for this flexibility while protecting labor rights and improving healthcare and social protection, including or especially for the rising number of “gig” workers or the freelancers.
The group also expressed support to holding more dialogues on issues including wage subsidies during crises such as the pandemic, unemployment insurance, and portability of retirement benefit.
MBC also urged government to expand transportation infrastructure that can improve worker productivity and quality of life.
The group was referring to public transportation and cycling and walking infrastructure that provides access to fast, safe, and affordable transport between work, home, and recreation.
“MBC joins other members of the business sector in supporting programs that will enable Filipino workers to keep their jobs and get higher quality ones,” the group said in the statement.
MBC is part of a five-year project where business, government, and higher education institutions (HEIs) are working to grow the workforce with advanced manufacturing skills.
High among the skills priorities is passing an Apprenticeship Bill which will enable businesses to train workers for available jobs and higher-skill jobs.
MBC said the bill would allow adequate time for training – in line with practices in some of the world’s most labor-friendly countries – while ensuring it is not used to violate labor rights.
“MBC believes that the most effective way to uplift Filipino lives is more and better jobs. We believe this is and should be the main objective of business investment and government policy,” the group said.
