NLRC moves to address delays in the resolution of labor cases

The National Labor Relations Commission on Thursday issued guidelines on the inhibition of labor arbiters from labor disputes.

 

NLRC Chairman Gerardo Nograles issued Administrative Order No. 02-08 to regulate the inhibition of cases, so they do not cause unnecessary delay in the disposition of cases.

 

“The guideline is part of the administrative intervention of the NLRC to reform labor arbitration and adjudication systems by streamlining procedures, removing red tape, and at the same, restore integrity and fairness in the system,” Nograles said.

 

He said the order seeks to prevent arbiters from inhibiting themselves in handling cases, especially during execution proceedings.

 

Under the order, a Labor Arbiter may inhibit himself or herself from handling a case for "just and valid reasons."

 

But all inhibitions from handling a case must be with the prior approval of the Executive Labor Arbiter.

 

"Only after such approval will the Order of Inhibition be issued," the Department of Labor and Employment said.

 

In case of inhibition of a Commissioner from handling a case, the prior approval of the Chairman is necessary if the inhibition will result in the creation of a Special Division.

 

The Executive Labor Arbiter’s or the Chairman’s approval or disapproval of inhibitions will be attached to the records of the case, copy furnished the Research, Information and Publication Division (RIPD).  — ELR, GMA News