ILIGAN CITY (PIA)--The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-10) and the Federation of Democratic Labor Organization (FDLO) came together to celebrate Labor Day with a shared vision for progress and unity.
The theme of the event, "Pabahay, Bilihing Abot-Presyo, Benepisyo ng Matatag na Trabaho Para sa Manggagawang Pilipino," highlighted the importance of affordable housing, reasonable prices, and benefits for Filipino workers.
The event provided members of the Iligan City-Lanao del Norte Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC) the avenue to reactivate themselves as policy formulators on labor-management cooperation by sustaining mechanisms and strategies to effectively function in the context of collective leadership and corporate social responsibility. The occasion was also an opportunity for member companies and government institutions to collaborate, and for common issues and concerns to be addressed.
FDLO Executive Vice President Leonilo Ratilla emphasized that industrial peace is critical to protecting employees' rights and ensuring due process and consultation, particularly for those without unions who are unable to benefit from regular employment and fair wage rates. He called for adherence to due process even in cases of infractions or violations of workers' rights.
"Ang amo lang hangyo na kung pananglitan duna man gani mga infraction o gi ingon nga kalapasan ang mga trabahador, palihug ayaw lang kalimti ang pag-imporsar sa due process," said Ratilla.
(Our only request is that if there are any infractions or violations by the workers, please do not forget to impose due process)
The event also provided workers and labor unions with a platform to voice their concerns and complaints, particularly in their push for regular employment and a decent salary.
Meanwhile, Mayor Frederick Siao encouraged cooperation among the workforce to increase the economy's resilience, and the government's support in attracting investment and creating employment opportunities for Iliganons.
"Ang gobyerno magtrabaho aron pagdasig sa mga pamuhunan, pag-awhag sa pagnegosyo ug pagsuporta sa gagmay o dako man nga mga negosyante aron makamugna ug daghan nga oportunidad sa trabaho alang sa atong mga Iliganon," said Siao.
(The government will work to encourage investments, encourage doing business and support small or big businessmen to create more job opportunities for our Iliganons)
Meanwhile, City Councilor Providencio Abragan, Jr., said FDLO, particularly the workers union, has requested to work together to draft a law known as the ordinance fostering city labor and industrial peace. This is intended to protect the rights of employees, ensure their comfort and well-being, and safeguard investors' employers.
Members of the FDLO also called on the current administration to address the issue of contractualization, which has contributed to the union's decline due to the high proportion of contractual workers compared to regular employees.
Moreover, DOLE Lanao del Norte Supervising Labor Employment Officer Criste Perfecto highlighted the need for management and labor to collaborate to achieve industrial peace and strengthen the workforce.
A certificate of recognition was presented to the union retirees at the conclusion of the event, recognizing their contribution to the workforce. (AAA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
