DOLE, CHR reach agreement to safeguard workers’ rights

The Department of Labor and Employment partnered with the Commission on Human Rights to facilitate the investigation of violations of workers' freedom of association and right to organize.

DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma and CHR Chairperson Richard P. Palpal-Latoc signed a Memorandum of Agreement at the CHR Central Office in Diliman, Quezon City on 20 October which directs both agencies to cooperate on cases referrals, investigations, and monitoring; witness protection and psychosocial support; labor education and human rights promotion; and policy development.

Laguesma said that the DOLE-CHR collaboration is vital in addressing the labor issues raised during the International Labor Organization High-Level Tripartite Mission visit in January 2023.

"This collaboration underscores the need for our sustained partnership, ensuring that the principles of both labor and human rights are consistently upheld in every initiative and policy we undertake. We need the support of the labor groups and the employer sector as well as the ILO so that our common goal of ensuring that the Conventions, especially Conventions 87 and 98, will be respected," Laguesma said.

Following the MOA signing, a streamlined case referral mechanism will be promptly established. The DOLE's Bureau of Labor Relations and CHR Protection cluster will be responsible for correspondence and referrals.

The CHR will promptly inform DOLE upon receiving reports or complaints about alleged violations of labor rights. Afterward, DOLE will verify the reports, conduct case build-up, and gather evidence.

To ensure the effective implementation of MOA, DOLE, and CHR will employ monitoring and feedback mechanisms. The mechanisms will assess the level of implementation guidelines, policies, and programs, measure progress, and identify challenges.