A pro-workers partylist has expressed deep concern over the findings of a recent report revealing 83 labor rights violations across the Philippines and has pledged to work proactively with government agencies, labor groups, and private stakeholders to ensure better protection and enforcement of workers' rights.
The report from the Federation of Free Workers (FFW) and the Danish Trade Union Development Agency (DTDA) detailed a wide range of violations, including illegal dismissals, wage theft, harassment of union organizers, and suppression of collective bargaining efforts. The data reflects persistent systemic issues affecting both formal and informal workers nationwide.
In response, Trabaho Partylist, a pro-labor group, issued a strong statement condemning the violations and emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive reform and collaboration.
“The number of violations is alarming, but what’s more disturbing is that many workers continue to suffer in silence. We cannot let this continue. Trabaho Partylist is committed to leading efforts in Congress to strengthen labor protections and ensure accountability,” Trabaho spokesperson Atty. Mitchell-David L. Espiritu said.
The partylist outlined plans that include working closely with the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) to review and enhance monitoring mechanisms and improve response times for reported violations, and convening summits with representatives from workers' unions, employers, NGOs, and human rights groups to formulate policy recommendations and collective strategies.
Atty. Espiritu also emphasized plans to introduce legislation aimed at tightening regulations against contractualization, improving union recognition procedures, and increasing penalties for violations, including establishing a worker feedback platform to allow easier reporting of abuses, particularly for those in remote or underrepresented communities.
“This is not just a labor issue, it’s a human rights issue,” Atty. Espiritu emphasized. “We want workers to know that they are not alone. Through active engagement with all sectors, we aim to create a culture where labor rights are respected, not violated.”
Trabaho Partylist also urged fellow lawmakers and national leaders to treat findings as a wake-up call. They called for bipartisan support in advancing worker-centered reforms and funding Dole’s enforcement units.
The party-list vowed to provide regular updates on their initiatives and called on workers across the country to participate in shaping a “fairer, safer, and more dignified” future for the Filipino workforce. PR