Lecture Notes on Labor Standards and Labor Relations

Definition of Labor Standards

• Labor Standards: Minimum terms and conditions of employment legally entitled to employees. Employers must comply with these standards.
  • Examples of minimum terms and conditions include:
    • Salary
    • Work hours (time in and time out)
    • Benefits (overtime pay, separation pay, retirement pay, leave)
    • Rest periods (daily and weekly)

Key Aspects of Labor Standards

• Minimum Wage: Employers cannot pay below the minimum wage (e.g., 490 pesos per day).

  • Legal Implication: Violating this law is considered a breach of labor standards.

• Work Hours: Standard work hours are capped at 8 hours per day.

  • Overtime: If an employee works beyond 8 hours, they must be compensated for the extra hours.

• Rest Periods:

  • Daily: Employees are entitled to at least 1 hour of rest during the workday.
  • Weekly: Employees must have at least 1 day of rest per week, except for medical practitioners who have 2 days.

• Labor standards emphasize that agreements can be above minimum terms but cannot fall below them.

Definition of Labor Relations

• Labor Relations: Refers to the relationship between employers and employees, involving negotiations and enforcement of terms and conditions of employment.

State Policy on Labor Relations

1. Collective Bargaining: Promotes negotiation between employees and employers regarding employment terms.
2. Free Trade Unionism: Encouraged as a means to enhance democracy and social justice.
3. Administrative Machinery: Companies must have systems in place to resolve labor disputes.
4. Industrial Peace: Aiming for harmonious relations to prevent conflicts and ensure stability.
5. Participation of Workers: Workers should have a say in decisions affecting their rights and welfare.

Terminologies in Labor Relations

• Commission: National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC).
• Employee: Any person working for an employer; includes individuals involved in labor disputes.
• Labor Organization: Unions or associations formed for collective bargaining.
• Legitimate Labor Organization: Registered with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
• Labor Dispute: Any controversy involving terms or conditions of employment.
• Managerial Employee: An employee with authority to manage and execute policies.
• Supervisory Employee: An employee who can recommend managerial actions but lacks authority to implement them.
• Rank and File Employees: Employees who are not managerial or supervisory.

Conclusion

• Understanding labor standards and relations is crucial for both employers and employees to ensure compliance and fair treatment in the workplace.