Senator Jinggoy Estrada introduced a bill to improve workers’ rights to organize and prohibit employers and government authorities from interfering or harassing union members.
The proposed “Strengthening the Freedom of Association of Workers’ Act” aims to address gaps in the Labor Code and reinforce the implementation of Article III, Section 8 of the 1987 Constitution, which guarantees the right to form unions, associations, or societies without restriction.
The bill would make it illegal for employers or government authorities to prevent workers from joining unions or to require them to give up membership in any, Estrada said.
This includes forcing workers to attend anti-union seminars, discouraging union support during elections, or hindering union operations.
Under the measure, workers cannot be penalized or discriminated against in their jobs or denied access to government services based on union membership.
The bill also prohibits harassment or forcible interrogation of workers, organizers, workers’ organizations, or union officials based on mere membership or affiliation to labor organizations or unions.
It also bars collecting or using personal data of workers, labor organizers, workers’ organizations, or union officials for harassment and profiling.
In case of a violation of Sections 5 and 6, the court may impose a fine of P100,000 or imprisonment of one year to two years.
