Collective bargaining is a constitutional right in the Philippines, and one of the fundamental principles in the international community. Collective bargaining has different levels from a single employer to multiple employers negotiating with one or more unions. In the Philippines, the number of workers covered by collective bargaining agreements is decreasing and are attributable to the following factors: (1) majority of establishments are micro and small enterprises; (2) the rise in non-standard forms of employment; (3) unions in the Philippines only cover wage and salary workers;

and (4) actions of employers that influence or hinder organizing. Multi-employer bargaining can be a mechanism to help address the issue but at present, the policy needs to be strengthened. The study aims to propose a framework to strengthen multi-employer bargaining in the Philippines specifically by having an enabling environment by which the mechanism can be successfully implemented. To implement multi-employer bargaining, there is a need to review DOLE Department Order No. 40-03, specifically on union membership coverage, workers representation, multi-employer bargaining.

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Title: Framework on Strengthening Multi-employer Bargaining in the Philippines
Researcher: Joyce Anne S. Lumactud