by Paula Määttä

X. Philippines

E. The role of the social partners

1. Women and trade unions

Out of some 20 million employed persons, only 4.7 million are unionized. Of those who are unionized, only 5.3 per cent are considered effectively organized or covered by collective bargaining agreements (CBA). Organized workers are divided into 117 labour federations and 1685 independently registered plant-level unions congregating in at least seven labour centres. Labour organizing may be described as a free-for-all. Federations may be set up by at least ten unions with CBAs. Any federation is free to go into any industry line, although some concentrate on specific categories like textile workers. (Pineda-Ofreneo & Del Rosario 1988, 314-315.)

The majority of trade unions are still under the influence of "yellow" or pro-management leaders or federations but the militants are increasingly visible. Whatever the political orientation, unions generally have a low female participation rate, especially at the top levels. Among organized workers, women are a distinct minority. Generally, the trade union structure is hierarchical and male-dominated. (Pineda-Ofreneo & Del Rosario 1988, 314-315.)

2. Collective agreements and authorities

Collective bargaining agreements are monitored by the Bureau of Labour Relations to ensure that they do not contain any provisions in contravention of existing law and policy. The Bureau is a part of the Department of Labour and Employment. The National Wages and Productivity Commission is attached to the Department of Labour and Employment for policy and programme coordination. It is composed of government authorities and representatives of employees and employers. The Commission acts as a national consultative and advisory body to the President of the Philippines and Congress on matters related to wages, incomes and productivity. It formulates policies and guidelines, for example, on wages at the enterprise, industry and national levels. The Commission reviews regional wage levels, plans and programmesset up by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards, and it also supervises the Boards. (Azucena 1991, III-93.)

Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards have been created in all regions. They develop plans, programmes and projects relative to wages, income and productivity improvement for their respective regions. The Regional Boards also determine and fix minimum wage rates, collect data on wages and implement policies. (Azucena 1991, III-94.). The Regional Board investigates and studies all pertinent facts and, based on the standards and criteria prescribed, proceeds to determine whether wage orders should be issued. In the performance of its wage-determining functions, the Regional Board conducts public hearings or consultation, giving notices to employees and employers groups, provincial, city and municipal officials and other interested parties.