From the Website of PNA
Estrada wants to criminalize interference with labor unions
MANILA – Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada on Tuesday sought the passage of
a measure that aims to further strengthen the rights of Filipino workers by criminalizing interference with labor unions and harassment of workers.
In pushing for Senate Bill 2735 or the proposed Strengthening the Freedom of Association of Workers’ Act, Estrada noted that Article III, Section 8 of the 1987 Constitution guarantees the right of workers to form unions, associations, or societies but some employers still attempt to suppress their voice.
“Despite the constitutional rights that guarantee workers the freedom to form and join organizations of their choosing, many still encounter harassment, coercion, and intimidation from various sources," he said.
He said SB 2735 seeks to address gaps in the Labor Code and reinforce the constitutional right to form unions, associations, or societies without restriction.
The measure prohibits employers and government authorities from preventing workers from joining unions, requiring them to give up membership, or penalizing them for union membership.
Harassing or forcibly interrogating workers, organizers, workers’ organizations, or union officials based on mere membership or affiliation to labor organizations or unions is also prohibited.
Collecting or using personal data of workers, labor organizers, workers’ organizations, or union officials, such as name, home address, and contact details that can be used for harassment and profiling, is likewise disallowed.
“Any person who restrains, harasses, coerces, or unduly interferes with any worker or workers’ association or union, in the exercise of their rights to self-organization or in any manner commits any violation of this Act shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than PHP100,000 or imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than two years, or both, at the discretion of the Court,” Estrada said. (PNA)
In pushing for Senate Bill 2735 or the proposed Strengthening the Freedom of Association of Workers’ Act, Estrada noted that Article III, Section 8 of the 1987 Constitution guarantees the right of workers to form unions, associations, or societies but some employers still attempt to suppress their voice.
“Despite the constitutional rights that guarantee workers the freedom to form and join organizations of their choosing, many still encounter harassment, coercion, and intimidation from various sources," he said.
He said SB 2735 seeks to address gaps in the Labor Code and reinforce the constitutional right to form unions, associations, or societies without restriction.
The measure prohibits employers and government authorities from preventing workers from joining unions, requiring them to give up membership, or penalizing them for union membership.
Harassing or forcibly interrogating workers, organizers, workers’ organizations, or union officials based on mere membership or affiliation to labor organizations or unions is also prohibited.
Collecting or using personal data of workers, labor organizers, workers’ organizations, or union officials, such as name, home address, and contact details that can be used for harassment and profiling, is likewise disallowed.
“Any person who restrains, harasses, coerces, or unduly interferes with any worker or workers’ association or union, in the exercise of their rights to self-organization or in any manner commits any violation of this Act shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than PHP100,000 or imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than two years, or both, at the discretion of the Court,” Estrada said. (PNA)
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