Agencies sign IRR on gov’t workers’ right to self-organize

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday spearheaded the signing of the implementing rules and regulations on the right of government employees to self-organize.

Agencies that signed the 2024 Rules and Regulations of Executive Order (EO) 180 include the Civil Service Commission (CSC), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Finance (DOF), and Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

The DOJ said the IRR contains clearer qualifications and criteria for personnel eligibility to join employee organizations, use of electronic filing of pleadings/documents and online platforms, integration of new council policies, employee elections, and other important guidelines.

National employees organizations, which is a coalition of registered employee organizations within an agency for the purpose of collective negotiation agreements, are also now recognized under the new IRR.

“The promulgation of the 2024 rules is a testament of the council’s commitment to continuously improve and safeguard the exercise of the right of self organization in the public sector,” CSC chairperson Karlo Nograles said in his speech,

“We recognize of course that the new rules and regulations may not be absolutely perfect, considering the dynamic environment that we operate in today. However, this acknowledgment should not deter us from actively engaging and shaping the trajectory of employee relations in the public sector,” he added.

He said that the 1987 IRR of EO 180 was last amended in 2004.

Meanwhile, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said that the ability of employees to organize is pivotal to a responsive and resilient government.

“Today, as we inscribe our names onto this document, we celebrate the role of each government employee in shaping a government that is of the people, by the people, and for the people,” Remulla said in his message, which was read by Justice Undersecretary Fredderick Vida.

“The IRR we sign today is a promise- a promise to safeguard the rights of those who serve our country, to support their well-being, and to support their invaluable contribution to our nation,” he added.—AOL, GMA Integrated News