IV. Instruments for Workers Welfare and Interest Used in TUCP Verification Activities

International Labor Organization's Core Labor Standards; other UN instruments

The Philippines has ratified all but one of the ILO core conventions on freedom of association, on discrimination, on forced labor, on child labor and has enabling legislation and regulations. Compliance can be improved.

ILO Fundamental Principles

The Principles obliges all Members of the ILO, even if they have not ratified the core Conventions, by the very fact of membership in the Organisation, to respect, to promote and to realise, in good faith and in accordance with the ILO Constitution, the principles concerning the fundamental rights which are the subject of the ILO Conventions on: a) freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining; (b) the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour; (c) the effective abolition of child labour; and (d) the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.

OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (Revised)

"The Guidelines are recommendations addressed by governments to multinational enterprises operating in or from adhering countries. They provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business conduct in a variety of areas including employment and industrial relations, human rights, environment, information disclosure, competition, taxation, and science and technology." Ibig sabihin walang force of law.

The Global Compact

"The Global Compact is a UN-sponsored platform for encouraging and promoting good corporate practices and learning experiences in the areas of human rights, labour and the environment. It is an entry point for the business community to work in partnership with UN organizations in support of the principles and broader goals of the United Nations, and provides a basis for structured dialogue between the UN, business, labour and civil society on improving corporate practices in the social arena. xx."

Industry Agreements RAPP

Philippine apparel exporters to the US signed a Memorandum of Agreement pledging compliance with AAMA's RAPP (Responsible Apparel Production Principles). Implementation has been slow.

Corporate Codes of Conduct

A number of companies in the Philippines are covered by codes of conduct. Problems: Walang nakakaalam (inadequate knowledge). Walang naka-post (no posting). May naka-post, hindi naiintindihan (little understanding). Hindi naipapaliwanag nang maayos (no presentation to workers). Hindi naipatutupad (no compliance). Palpak ang pagsubaybay (faulty monitoring) Pinaiikutan ang monitors (monitors are deceived). Pinagtatakpan ang kasalanan (violations are covered up).

Philippine Laws in place for workers, women, children

The Philippines has one of the best sets of legislation covering workers (the Labor Code of the Philippines, as amended), women (against discrimination, against sexual harassment) and children (setting minimum age, for children's welfare). But implementation is awful, and needs constant monitoring and advocacy, or nothing will happen.