AIM to hold CSR training on international labor standards

The prevalence of occupational injuries and illnesses in the Philippines is at high risk. For Filipino laborers as well as businessmen, this phenomenon is quite alarming. From the year 2013 to 2018, there has been an increase of 200 percent for occupational injuries and from years 2009 to 2015, a 70 percent increase for occupational illnesses was revealed (PSA ISLE, 2009-2015). These high statistics give millions of Filipinos the perception that workplaces in the Philippines do not attend to proper safety measures and policies. The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) showed up to a 20 percent decline in OSH (occupational safety and health) compliance among companies (Bureau of Working Conditions, 2013-2017). These types of accidents and diseases affect not only human suffering and loss but also the economy as a whole.

High economic costs are often the result of these incidences, affecting the lives of Filipino workers and their families. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), only 2.2 million Filipino workers in medium and large enterprises enjoy effective OSH protection and services. What happens to the rest of the nation’s workforce? 38.8 million workers, mostly from micro-firms and the informal sector, are not presented nor benefited with acceptable working conditions hence, are vulnerable to risks and hazards. In response to these phenomena, the Philippines is continuously aligning its strategies and priorities in ensuring a culture of safety and health of workplaces. The UN Sustainable Development Goal #8, Decent Work and Economic Growth, supports the promotion and protection of labor rights, safe and secure working environments of all workers including women migrants and those in precarious employment. In support of this SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) target, the Philippines recently passed Republic Act 11058 “An Act Strengthening Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Standards and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof” in 2018. This requires employers to provide employees with a place of employment free from hazardous conditions. Through the adoption of the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention (C 187) in the Philippines which will take in force on June 17, 2020, the country will have better access to OSH policies and services.

As an advocate of corporate responsibility, the Asian Institute of Management through one of its research centers, Ramon V. del Rosario, Sr. Center for Corporate Responsibility, is organizing a two-day training jointly certified with two other international organizations namely International Labour Organization (ILO) and European Union (EU) covering Towards Decent Work: CSR Training on International Labour Standards on Sept. 26 to 27, 2019 in Cebu. This two-day training will cover ILO’s module on corporate social responsibility and will touch on relevant topics involving Occupational Safety and Health, Wages and Benefits, Hours of Work, Child/Forced Labor, Equal Opportunity and Treatment, Harassment, Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining, Grievances and Compliance. This is an opportunity for businesses and their suppliers especially those involved in supply chain activities to share their thoughts and learn new knowledge on International Labour Standards.

For registration and queries, contact AIM’s program and research associate Joyce Pesca at JPesca@AIM.EDU or (632) 8924011 ext. 5304. SPONSORED CONTENT