The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses its full support for the filing of Senate Bill (SB) No. SB 2735, or “An Act Protecting the Rights of All Workers, Workers, Organizations, and Unions from Interference by their Employers, Public Authorities or their Agents, and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof,” as this safeguards the fundamental rights of Filipino workers.
Filed by Senator Jinggoy Estrada, SB 2735, also known as the Strengthening the Freedom of Association of Workers Act, heightens legal protections for workers’ rights to association, acknowledging their role in improving labour conditions and promoting peace and progress. The bill intends to prohibit restraining, harassing, or interfering with private workers, unions, or labour organisations in exercising their right to self-organisation.
SB 2735 addresses gaps in the current legal framework that existing laws such as the Labor Code do not fully cover. This initiative specifically targets interference, harassment, and coercion by employers and public authorities, including acts beyond the jurisdiction of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and introduces penalties for violations. This upholds the State’s obligation to not only recognise but also protect fundamental human rights.
The Commission commends SB 2735 as it reinforces the implementation of Article III, Section 8 of the 1987 Constitution which ensures that the right to form unions, associations, or societies cannot be restricted. Additionally, it adheres to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which affirms everyone’s right to peaceful assembly in Article 20 and to join trade unions in Article 23. The bill also aligns with the 1948 Freedom of Association Convention which guarantees workers’ rights to form and join organisations without government interference.
We acknowledge Sen. Jinggoy Estrada’s efforts in introducing SB 2735 to advance workers’ rights and promote fair labour practices. In line with this, the Commission also emphasises the need for continued progress toward more inclusive workforce policies.
