Employers' group asks government for labor reforms

An employers' group has raised to the government some of its concerns highlighted in the resolutions of the National Conference of Employers (NCE).

The resolutions, presented in the final day of the two-day conference in Pasay City, also solicited reforms from the government, including:

• focus government programs on the goal of creating an environment that produces investments, entrepreneurial opportunities, and generates employment, through less government regulations and enhanced private sector participation;
• create a more efficient, productive, and flexible workplace, including removal of penal provisions in labor laws
• pursue a consistent policy implementation and interpretation of labor laws for a more predictable regulatory environment;
• vigorously implement efficient resolution of labor-management disputes; and
• reflect the social dimension of employment generate under a regime of harmonious employer-worker relationship in inclusive growth programs.

ECoP also asked the private sector to ensure compliance with labor laws and promote ethical business practices and good governance.

In her closing address, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said the government will take the reforms requested in the resolutions "to proper consultation."

She said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is also hoping that the private sector participates in labor code reviews that it is undertaking.

Baldoz did not give a timeline for review and potential amendments to the country's labor laws.

Speakers in the conference, which ended Friday, said the country has been experiencing a jobless growth so investments need to be attracted in order to generate jobs. — KBK, GMA News