Government reiterates commitment to dignity of workers
The Philippines has underscored its commitment to workers as it joined the calls for the inclusion of safe and healthy working conditions in the International Labour Organisation's (ILO) Framework of Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.
The Philippine delegate, headed by Labour Secretary Silvestre Bello III, made the remarks during the 110th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva.
"Our Philippine team in this international parliament of labour is one with the ILC in pushing for the inclusion of safe and healthy working conditions in the International Labour Organisation's framework of fundamental principles and rights at work," said Bello in a statement.
"More than ever, our obligation and commitment to the life, health, and dignity of workers cannot be overemphasised," he added.
The Philippine delegate includes key officials form the Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE), as well as labour representatives across the Philippines.
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They join the growing calls to include safe and healthy working conditions in the framework as the world, particularly workplaces, remain impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
A broadened ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work is expected in this year's ILC, according to DOLE's media release.
The ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work was adopted in 1998 and commits its Member States, whether they have ratified the relevant Conventions, to respect and promote the principles and rights in four categories.
These categories include:
- Freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining
- Elimination of forced or compulsory labour
- Abolition of child labour
- Elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation
The ILC kicked off on May 27 and is expected to end on June 11. The conference will also tackle social and solidarity economy, as well as the standardisation of quality apprenticeship.
The ILO defined the latter as "a unique form of technical vocational education and training, combining on-the-job training and off-the-job learning."
