A proposed bill seeks to criminalize interference and harassment against workers joining unions, aiming to strengthen protections for their right to organize.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada filed Senate Bill No. 2735, also known as the “Strengthening the Freedom of Association of Workers’ Act,” which seeks to address gaps in the Labor Code and enforce constitutional guarantees of freedom of association.
“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. These actions ultimately seek to suppress the voice of the labor force,” Estrada stressed.
Among the key provisions of the bill is the prohibition against employers or government officials preventing workers from joining unions or forcing them to renounce their membership.
The measure specifically targets actions such as requiring workers to attend anti-union seminars, discouraging union support during elections, and hindering union operations.
The bill also takes a firm stance against harassment by prohibiting the interrogation or discrimination of workers based solely on their affiliation with labor unions.
In addition, it criminalizes the collection and misuse of personal information of workers, labor organizers, and union leaders, which could be used for harassment or profiling.
Penalties for violations include fines of no less than P100,000 and imprisonment of up to two years, at the discretion of the court.
SB 2735 also extends protections by ensuring that workers cannot be denied access to government services or penalized in their jobs because of their union membership.
“The goal of this bill is to ensure that workers’ rights to self-organize are respected and upheld, allowing them to freely express their voices without fear of retribution,” Estrada said.
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