Phl reaffirms labor rights, ILO gains at global summit

The Philippines is set to participate in the 113th International Labor Conference (ILC) at the Palais Des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.

The conference will bring together a tripartite delegation representing governments, workers and employers from the 187 member states of the International Labor Organization (ILO).

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma will lead the Philippine delegation, which will include officials of the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE), Department of Foreign Affairs through the Philippine Mission to the United Nations in Geneva, and the Department of Migrant Workers, some members of the House of Representatives, and delegates representing the worker and employer sectors.

This year’s conference, which will run until 13 June, aims to reinforce the connection among jobs, rights and growth through the ILO’s international standards-setting and technical cooperation mechanisms.

The conference is expected to adopt a new standard on biological hazards in the workplace, explore strategies to help workers transition from the informal to the formal economy, and begin discussions on a new instrument for platform work.

Laguesma will address the plenary on 10 June, where he is expected to underscore the Philippines’ commitment to decent work, international labor standards, inclusive labor policies and social justice.

He also announced the election of the Philippines, to be represented by DoLE Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto Bitonio Jr., as chair of the committee on platform work.

The committee aims to devise standards for work relationships that use digital platforms, a subject which to date is not directly covered by an ILO instrument.

During the conference, Laguesma will also address the Asia-Pacific Labor Ministers Meeting and the 2nd Annual Forum of the Global Coalition for Social Justice, and join an informal meeting of ASEAN labor ministers.

The Philippine delegation will also hold bilateral meetings with key international partners to strengthen cooperation in skills development, industrial relations, social protection, and other labor and employment priorities.