TRADITIONALLY, tripartism ensured a harmonious balance in production and in the distribution of the fruits of growth.  In particular, trade unionism ensured both a social objective (everyone who wishes to work is integrated into a civil society), and democratic objective (empowering workers).

Nowadays, however, the trend is toward greater independence of enterprises and more individualized labor relationships. Union membership has declined, and employers’ associations are similarly facing difficulties. More important to consider is that very usefulness of collective bargaining is being challenged. As a result, industrial relations are no longer able to serve their purpose as effectively as before.

With the increasing autonomy of enterprises and the decline of traditional industrial relations, problems of social cohesion have become a major source of concern in most countries, including the Philippines.

In the World Labour Report 1997-98, published by the International Labour Organisation, it was noted that most countries are facing the dillema of how to reconcile the decentralization and individualization which accompany more intense competition, and the competitiveness imperative with labor regulations which reduce inequality. 

It was further observed that social dialogue remains the best method of securing workers’ well being with the new productivity requirements of enterprises. Meanwhile, the methods and goals of collective are evolving in a variety of new directions.

This is not to say through that the situation is so bleak, as employers’ group and unions are now adjusting to the realities of the time. And there is every sign that a whole new social dynamic is developing. Labor unions are presently looking beyond the working population and opening their doors, like genuine social movements – with a clear vision of how to defend and promote varied interests in the world of work.

As we endeavor to synthesize these developments, and in keeping with this reflection to adapt the structures, venues and strategies to the new economic reality, this Monograph features two articles which were presented before a gathering of labor unionists.

Reydeluz D. Conferido, Executive Director of the Institute for Labor Studies, presented the first article, “Plant Level Workers’ Representation: Has the Time Cone?” during the Policy Conference on Rethinking Collective Bargaining of the Federation of Free Workers (FFW).

Conferido points out that while there seems to be a willingness to explore new ways of doing things, there is also an uncertainty whether new paths will be useful at all, as the labor movement is reluctant to actively take risks when there is no sure-fire guarantee that positive results will ever materialize from this venture.

In the second article, “Conferido Labor: Policy Implications, Recommendations,” which he presented during the FFW Policy Forum on 18 April 1997, he offers some views which may functionally deal with the subject of contract labor, given the dearth of truly systematic and objective studies on the matter.

If only to dramatized the fact that trade unions in this part of the globe are neck-deep in adopting innovative strategies to rise to the challenge of globalization, we hope this Monograph will bring about a better appreciation of recent developments during this crucial stage.