The research seeks to examine how labor management councils/committees (LMC) and grievance machineries (GM) contribute to the attainment of industrial peace by conducting a survey, facilitating key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Using a triangulation approach in analyzing quantitative and qualitative data, the study found that LMCs and GMs in general contributed to industrial peace by helping decrease the number of cases of the DOLE. LMCs have a more positive perception compared to GMs which may be attributable to how GMs are structured as a mechanism where a labor issue is already present. The study established the positive linkage between these bipartite mechanisms and industrial peace which are driven by transparency, open communication, participative decision-making, and provision of incentives which create an enabling environment for workers and managements. Though implementation issues are present, LMCs and GMs stay true to the constitutional mandate that labor dispute resolution is a shared responsibility of workers and employers. Revisiting the policy direction and implementation of LMC and GM could further increase their reach and effectiveness in achieving industrial peace by ensuring labor justice for all.
Keywords: Labor management council, labor management committee, LMC, grievance machinery, GM, bipartite dispute mechanisms, NCMB
RESEARCHERS: Bejarin, Joanne Camille P. | Lumactud, Joyce Anne S.