Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

Rural Workers' Organisations Convention, 1975 (No. 141) - Philippines (Ratification: 1979)

The Committee recalls that its previous comments concerned section 241(c) and (p) of the Labor Code which requires unions to organize members into locals and chapters, and to hold elections of local and national officers directly and by secret ballot, under penalty of dissolution or officer expulsion. The Committee further recalls that since 1999, the Government has been indicating its intention to review the Labor Code with a view to bringing it into conformity with the principles of freedom of association.

The Committee notes that in its report, the Government indicates that the Department of Labor and Employment is initiating a review of labour laws and legislation, including section 241(c) and (p) of the Labor Code, so as to align them with the ILO Conventions ratified by the Philippines. It further notes the Government’s indication that this process is on the priority agenda of the Department of Labor and Employment aimed to respond to the labour market realities through policy reforms. The Committee expresses the hope that section 241(c) and (p) of the Labor Code will be amended in the near future so as to allow rural workers’ organizations the right to choose the organizational structure they deem appropriate and requests the Government to transmit a copy of the amendments.