While reiterating that unclear laws should be interpreted in favor of workers, Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Ramon Paul L. Hernando reminded labor arbiters that when laws are clear, their decisions must be grounded in justice, even if outcomes do not always favor employees.
Speaking at the induction of officers and recognition of retirees of the National Association of Labor Arbiters Inc. (NALAI), Justice Hernando underscored the role of labor arbiters in ensuring fair and lawful resolution of disputes while balancing the rights of workers and employers.
“A labor court is a court of law, a balancer of interests,” he said, urging labor arbiters to base decisions on established facts, sound reasoning, and applicable laws to guarantee equitable outcomes in employment disputes.
Justice Hernando encouraged them to embrace technology to enhance the delivery of labor justice, aligning with the SC’s Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027, which seeks to create a more efficient and accessible judiciary.
He also called on labor arbiters to help make labor courts more accessible to workers and employers while educating them about their rights, responsibilities, and legal remedies.
“I hope to see the day when the Filipino worker, irrespective of circumstances or social standing, is fully and independently capable of fighting for their labor rights,” he said, adding that empowering workers to know when, what, where, and how to complain is essential for a fair labor environment.
Acknowledging the heavy caseloads labor arbiters face, Justice Hernando commended their dedication and urged them to continue delivering fair and prompt resolutions to labor disputes with empathy and a commitment to justice.
Labor arbiters under the National Labor Relations Commission provide a specialized forum for resolving employment-related disputes, including illegal dismissals and monetary claims.
During the event, NALAI inducted its new officers, led by President Sherwin J. Casurao and Chairperson Salvador C. Alcuino, Jr., along with other officials who will serve on the Board of Trustees until 2027.
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