When labour rights are written into law, its impact lasts. The Philippines made history in 1974 when it enacted its Labour Code, a first in Asia. It was a bold step to protect workers’ rights and improve their living standards, boost productivity and competitiveness, and promote decent work.
Behind this milestone was the steady hand of the International Labour Organization (ILO), a specialized agency of the United Nations, as it offered global expertise and guidance to shape a law that – with modifications and updates – still stands strong today.
"The role of the International Labour Organization in helping us formulate the Labor Code cannot be overemphasized. Since its enactment in 1974, this crucial document has served as a foundation that protects the rights and well-being of Filipino workers,” Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma said.
The ILO supported the Philippines in addressing work-related issues and shaping its policies and programmes through social dialogue. The ILO has a unique, tripartite structure, with equal representation of workers and employers, alongside the government.
The Labour Code institutionalized ILO’s tripartism in industrial relations, particularly in minimum wage setting and in compulsory arbitration to settle labour disputes. At the heart of this milestone was Blas Ople, the longest-serving Labour Secretary in Philippine history.
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