Employers, workers jointly support sustainable business

Management and labor groups will sign today a statement of support for a new business strategy that promotes responsible business behavior and improved working conditions in the Philippines to ensure sustainable business.

The signing of the PhilExportECOP Principles-based, Inclusive and Business-Sustainable Corporate Social Responsibility (PBIBSCSR) Joint Statement of Support by the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PhilExport), Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Federation of Free Workers (FFW) highlighted PhilExport 1st Quarter General Membership Meeting last week at the Solair Casino and Hotel.

PBIBSCSR is a departure from the traditional type of CSR. In 2016, ECOP was engaged by the Danish Trade Union Council (LO/FTF) to launch a 3-year project on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

The overall aim is to promote CSR as a business strategy that enables responsible business behavior and improved working conditions in the Philippines, thereby supporting sustainable business progress and national economic and social development. PBIBSCSR values productivity, sustainable business development, workers' rights and welfare, good labor and industrial relations and social dialogue.

Signing the statement of support are Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr, President-PhilExport, Edgardo G. Lacson, ChairmanECOP, Aniano G. Bagabaldo, Executive Vice President and COO-PhilExport Jose Sonny G. Matula, President-Federation of Free Workers (FFW), and Peter M. Lunding, Head LO/FTF Council SRO Southeast Asia.

ECOP DirectorGeneral Jose Roland A. Moya said the statement of support is to promote compliance on core ILO labor standards such as respect to freedom of association, no forced or child labor, CBAs occupational safety and health.

Moya said that since 85 percent of PhilExport memberships are micro and small enterprises, they may need this program for compliance purposes.

Meantime, the PhilExport GMM will tackle the implementation of new labor-related laws and programs.

Ma. Teresita S. Cucueco, M.D., Director IV, Bureau of Working Conditions of the Department of Labor & Employment (DOLE) will discuss the Salient Features of the Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) Act. This Law mandates strict compliance of employers to workplace safety standards.

Moya will talk about the Salient Features of the Telecommuting Act, Expanded Maternity Benefits and the SSS Law.