Overview of Labor Standards and Relations

Aug 28, 2024

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.