Fairwork Philippines Unveils 2024 Policy Brief at Annual Stakeholders’ Forum: “Makatarungang Trabaho, Nakabubuhay na Kinabukasan para sa App Workers”
Arman D. Mangilinan
Center for Industry Productivity and Competitiveness, UP SOLAIR
November 15, 2024
November 13, 2024 – Fairwork Philippines successfully launched its 2024 Policy Brief during their annual Stakeholders’ Forum held via Zoom Teleconference at 2 PM. This significant event was co-hosted by the DOLE Institute for Labor Studies and the University of the Philippines–School of Labor and Industrial Relations (UP SOLAIR).
Opening Remarks and Introductions
The event commenced with a warm welcome from Dr. Virgel C. Binghay, co-investigator of Fairwork Philippines, Professor at UP SOLAIR, and Director of the Center for Industry Productivity and Competitiveness (CIPC). Dr. Binghay acknowledged the forum’s esteemed guests from government bodies, civil society, academe, media, platform companies, and workers themselves. He highlighted the postponed nature of the event due to Typhoon disruptions in October and expressed gratitude for the continued engagement despite challenges.
Dr. Binghay introduced the core team behind Fairwork Philippines: Dr. Cheryll Ruth Soriano, the principal investigator and Professor at De La Salle University Manila; Atty. Jayvy Gamboa, legal consultant and research associate at Manila Observatory, Ateneo de Manila University; and Marge Medina, Program Manager of Fairwork Philippines. Dr. Binghay also acknowledged the international guidance of Tobias Kuttler from WZB-Berlin Social Science Center and Mark Graham, Director of Fairwork.
Overview of Fairwork Principles by Dr. Virgel Binghay
In his remarks, Dr. Binghay underscored the five pillars of Fairwork’s principles for gig work: Fair Pay (“Patas na Kita”), Fair Conditions (“Patas na Kondisyon sa Paggawa”), Fair Contracts (“Patas na Kontrata”), Fair Management (“Patas na Pamamalakad”), and Fair Representation (“Patas na Representasyon”). He noted the extensive two-year consultation process involving multi-sectoral discussions with government entities, platform companies, and worker groups, which laid the groundwork for the scoring framework.
Global Insights from Dr. Tobias Kuttler
Dr. Tobias Kuttler provided a broader international context, showcasing Fairwork’s influence across 39 countries. He shared impactful statistics: 701 platform ratings, 304 positive changes by platforms, and 63 companies enacting reforms. Examples from India and South Africa were highlighted, illustrating the tangible impact of Fairwork’s advocacy.
Key Findings Presented by Dr. Cheryll Ruth Soriano
Dr. Soriano presented an overview of the research findings, emphasizing that broadening organizational support is crucial to fostering an environment where gig work is protected and fairness becomes the standard. She elaborated on the research methodology—incorporating desk research, worker evidence, platform data triangulation, and policy analysis—and detailed the comparative analysis of Fairwork scores for Philippine platforms against those in Colombia and India.
Critical issues identified included financial insecurity, platform-related indebtedness, worker health and safety challenges, and the absence of social safety nets. Dr. Soriano stressed that these findings underpin Fairwork’s drive for better working conditions for platform workers.
Policy Recommendations by Atty. Jayvy Gamboa
Atty. Jayvy Gamboa introduced the key policy recommendations aimed at legislative and administrative reforms. He stressed the importance of avoiding “regulation for regulation’s sake” and proposed focused interventions in two main areas: Fair Pay, to address financial vulnerabilities, and Fair Conditions, to enhance worker safety through preventive and responsive measures.
Panel Discussion and Insights
The event featured an engaging panel discussion with experts including Atty. Mary Grace Riguer-Teodosio from DOLE’s Institute for Labor Studies, Mr. Julius Cainget, Vice President for Research at the Federation of Free Workers, and Mr. Geoffrey Labudahon, National Coordinator of RIDERS-SENTRO.
Atty. Teodosio outlined DOLE’s internal research and legislative engagements focusing on platform work, highlighting proposals to ensure decent work for riders and freelancers. Mr. Cainglet provided an analysis of the capitalist framework within which platforms operate, noting that despite being profit-driven, these companies are reliant on their workforce. Mr. Labudahon shared the achievements and ongoing struggles of RIDERS-SENTRO, noting that while visibility among platform companies and government agencies has improved, union leaders continue to face retaliatory measures and constructive dismissal.
Open Forum and Closing
The open forum provided a platform for workers to voice their concerns, including contract ambiguities and threats related to freelance agreements. Atty. Gamboa emphasized that labor relations extend beyond contract signing and highlighted the critical role of labor groups in advocating for worker rights.
Dr. Soriano concluded the event by thanking all partners, speakers, and participants. She expressed hope for continued dialogues with legislative bodies to develop nuanced policies that protect gig workers and encouraged attendees to pursue ongoing discussions toward achieving decent work standards.
Fairwork Philippines remains committed to its mission of promoting equity and justice for platform workers, paving the way for a future of fair and dignified work.