MARIVELES, Bataan May 17 (PIA) – To foster harmonious relationship between the management and workers from various companies in the province, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 3 held a social dialogue with presidents of various unions here.

The dialogue, which was initiated through DOLE’s Bataan field office also served as a venue for workers to share their thoughts and insights, issues and concerns, and their plights in the workplace.

Some 22 union officers representing ten unions within the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) attended the dialogue. Representatives from AFAB were likewise present.

DOLE 3 Regional Director Leopoldo B. de Jesus cited the importance of negotiation in the lives of workers and discussed ways in effective negotiation to be able to protect the relationship of both management and workers.
He reminded everyone that in a negotiation, it is a must to assess the present situation and make decisions based on its effect to the future operation of the business.

De Jesus also reiterated the essence of communication in resolving issues in the workplace so it doesn’t escalate into disputes.

Bataan Industrial Peace Council (BIPC) Adviser Manuel Ambrosio, meanwhile, discussed on the impact and challenges of globalization, presenting statistics on the state of companies inside the AFAB.

Some of the issues raised during the open forum were problems arising from job contracting, adaptability of foreign supervisors or managers to the country’s culture, mode of training, manner of terminating and retrenchment of employees, non- remittances of SSS and other worker’s benefits under social legislation, and assessment tools used in measuring workers performance and productivity.

The forum was facilitated by Ms. Nely P. Punzalan, Head-DOLE Bataan Provincial Field Office.

 –AMV/PIA Zambales