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Saturday, September 03, 2005
RP firms don’t feel compelled to be socially accountable
Weak enforcement of laws can be partly blamed for the failure of some companies in the country to adhere to social accountability (SA) standards.
A study commissioned by the Employers Confederation of the Philippines and the German Technical Cooperation said lack of government inspectors and laxity in the implementation of laws providing for the protection of workers are among the reasons that companies are not compelled to practice social accountability.
The study noted, though, that employers, government, workers and civil society are receptive to the idea of SA.
“There is a constituency receptive to the idea. Among the social constituents, there is a functional understanding, and not mere acquaintance of decent work, labor standards and corporate responsibility,” according to the policy paper on SA in Philippine Enterprises: Moving Ahead in Advocacy furnished to Sun.Star Cebu.
According to the policy paper, which is based on the study, the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) is encouraging companies to voluntarily comply with labor standards and conduct self assessment based on SA.
It said that since the key mandate of the Dole is to provide protection to workers and enforce labor standards, SA is already incorporated in the framework of Philippine labor administration and enforcement provided in the Labor Code and other laws on workers’ protection and welfare.
But it noted that due to lack of inspectors, it is extremely difficult for Dole to enforce the law. There is a need to strengthen the capacity of the labor inspectorate, including occupational safety and health inspectors, through appropriate advisory and training support services,” it said.
SA is a global standard for improving working conditions around the world. It defines and sets parameters to ensure conformance to universal rights concerning labor standards.
The paper has recommended strengthening the capability of employers, government, workers and civil society in promoting national and global labor standards, as well as raising awareness on the issue. (JBN)
(September 3, 2005 issue)
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