THREE FOR TRIPARTISM. Laurice S.D. Ambrosio, ACEL executive officer, is shown with Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III (center) and Arlan P. Vergara of the Philippine Constructors Association.
The Association of Carriers and Equipment Lessors (ACEL) reaffirmed its active support for tripartism in the construction industry’s labor relations when Laurice S.D. Ambrosio, ACEL’s executive officer, took part, as the Association’s official representative, in the Construction Industry Tripartite Council (CITC) oath-taking rites recently. Officiated by key Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) officials, led by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, the event was held at the DOLE’s Labor Governance Learning Center in Intramuros, Manila, last January 20, 2020.
“Tripartism” refers to the representation of the workers’ and employers’ sectors in the decision- and policy-making bodies of the government. Through tripartism, workers and employers, representing their respective interests on the one hand, and the government, representing the interest of the public on the other, help shape labor, social and economic policies and programs of the government. Tripartism in labor relations has been declared a state policy under the Philippine Labor Code.
The CITC serves primarily as a forum for tripartite advisement and consultation among labor, employer, and government sectors in the formulation and implementation of labor and social policies for the country’s construction industry. It has nine basic functions:
- To serve as an information network, specifically on labor relations and employment issues and industry configurations on the appropriate level;
- To monitor compliance with sectoral commitments as embodied in national, regional, local or industry tripartite accords;
- To ensure the implementation of the action plan relative to the Philippine Decent Work Common Agenda;
- To assist the concerned agencies in the identification of industries or establishments with potentials for growth, as well as industries and establishments which are likely to experience labor disputes or in need of appropriate responses with respect to industry-specific concerns;
- To lend support to DOLE agencies in the resolution of industrial disputes;
- To undertake projects toward the formulation of tripartite views, policy and program proposals, legislative proposals, and appropriate recommendations on labor, economic and social concerns for submission to concerned agencies;
- To coordinate with and render technical assistance/advice to the appropriate agencies or councils in matters relating to labor and employment;
- To promote the active participation of workers and employers in policy formulation and development; and
- To adopt its own program of activities and rules, consistent with development
ACEL participated in CITC’s activities in 2019 and is committed to continue its support for the council’s tripartism thrust this year, particularly with regards the promotion of the safety and welfare of construction industry workers.
