The Philippine Labor Crisis: A Nine-Year Streak on the Worst Countries for Workers

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The Philippines has retained its position among the world’s worst countries for workers. Learn what’s at stake and why change is crucial.

PH among the 10 Worst Countries for Workers for the 9th Year in a Row: A Call for Action on Workers’ Rights

The Philippines has once again secured a spot on the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Global Rights Index’s list of the 10 worst countries for workers. This marks the ninth consecutive year that the country has been flagged for serious violations of workers’ rights. The report, which was released on June 6, 2025, has sparked renewed calls for better protection and recognition of Filipino workers’ fundamental rights, an issue that remains largely unaddressed by authorities and employers alike.

This ranking, which is a result of comprehensive research by the ITUC and its Workers Rights Watch coalition, sheds light on the appalling labor conditions still prevailing in the Philippines. As workers continue to face exploitation, non-compliance with labor laws, and severe restrictions on their rights to organize, the time for change has never been more urgent.

Countries on the List

In addition to the Philippines, the 2025 report identifies nine other nations with similarly dismal records on workers’ rights. These include:

  1. Bangladesh
  2. Belarus
  3. Ecuador
  4. Egypt
  5. Eswatini
  6. Myanmar
  7. Nigeria
  8. Tunisia
  9. Turkey

The inclusion of the Philippines on this list alongside these countries highlights the systemic issues in labor rights enforcement and the ongoing struggle for fair treatment of workers worldwide.

What Does This Mean for Filipino Workers?

The persistent inclusion of the Philippines on the “worst 10” list is a direct reflection of the severe challenges faced by Filipino workers. According to the Workers Rights Watch report, certain key rights of Filipino workers are continuously violated, undermining their ability to secure dignified work, fair wages, and a safe working environment. The violations most frequently noted in the report include:

  1. Right to Strike (87% of workers affected)
  2. Right to Collective Bargaining (80% affected)
  3. Right to Establish or Join a Union (75% affected)
  4. Right to Justice (72% affected)

These statistics underline the government’s failure to protect its workers from exploitation and oppression in various sectors. Despite efforts to address these issues, the rights that Filipino workers should be entitled to remain inadequately safeguarded.

Workers Rights Watch and the Call for Change

Workers Rights Watch, a collective group representing a diverse coalition of labor organizations, has been at the forefront of advocating for workers’ rights in the Philippines. Comprising groups like the Federation of Free Workers, Kilusang Mayo Uno, National Federation of Sugar Workers, and Migrante Philippines, the organization emphasizes that the Philippine government has shown insufficient action to address these ongoing violations. While President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order No. 23 to establish the Inter-Agency Committee on Freedom of Association (IAC), this measure has been heavily criticized.

The IAC, led by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, did not initially include trade unions in its formation, an oversight that workers’ organizations view as a serious misstep in fostering genuine dialogue between employers, the government, and workers. Though unions were later included as regular dialogue partners, it remains clear that the committee’s actions have not effectively addressed the broader systemic issues that continue to affect Filipino workers.

Benefits of Workers’ Rights Protection

  1. Enhanced Worker Productivity: When workers are treated with dignity and respect, their morale and productivity improve significantly.
  2. Stronger Economic Growth: By ensuring fair wages and better working conditions, workers contribute more effectively to the economy.
  3. Increased Job Security: Workers are more likely to stay with employers who respect their rights and provide secure, long-term employment.
  4. Improved Health and Safety: Worker rights protection ensures that health and safety standards are upheld in the workplace, reducing accidents and illnesses.
  5. Reduced Workplace Discrimination: Ensuring workers’ rights fosters a more inclusive and equal work environment.
  6. Fairer Wages: Protecting the right to unionize and collectively bargain ensures that workers are paid fairly for their labor.
  7. Stronger Labor Relations: Improved relations between workers and employers lead to a more harmonious work environment.
  8. Increased Global Competitiveness: Countries that protect workers’ rights are more likely to attract international businesses that value ethical practices.
  9. Better Work-Life Balance: Workers are more likely to enjoy a healthier work-life balance when their rights are respected.
  10. Sustainability in the Workforce: Ensuring that workers are treated fairly helps sustain a productive and engaged workforce in the long term.

Tips for Improving Workers’ Rights

  1. Engage in Collective Bargaining: Strengthening the power of unions allows workers to negotiate for better wages and working conditions.
  2. Advocate for Legislative Reform: Workers’ rights should be supported by strong national labor laws and regulations.
  3. Empower Trade Unions: Provide unions with the resources and support they need to fight for workers’ rights.
  4. Foster Transparency: Employers should be open about wages, working conditions, and any potential hazards.
  5. Ensure Health and Safety Standards: Make workplace safety a priority by investing in necessary equipment and training.
  6. Promote Equal Pay for Equal Work: Pay gaps, especially based on gender, should be eliminated.
  7. Support the Right to Strike: Workers should be able to express dissatisfaction without fear of retaliation.
  8. Protect the Right to Join Unions: Workers should not be discriminated against for joining or forming unions.
  9. Offer Legal Support: Ensure workers have access to legal aid when their rights are violated.
  10. Promote Gender Equality: Efforts should be made to eliminate gender-based violence and discrimination in the workplace.

Insights on Workers’ Rights in the Philippines

  1. Despite legal frameworks, workers in the Philippines remain vulnerable to exploitation and oppression.
  2. The lack of robust enforcement mechanisms allows employers to sidestep workers’ rights.
  3. Many workers face retaliation for joining unions or participating in collective bargaining.
  4. Unfair wages and long working hours are still widespread in many industries.
  5. Gender-based discrimination in the workplace remains a pressing issue.
  6. Access to legal recourse for workers is limited, especially in rural areas.
  7. There is a strong need for more government intervention and policy reform.
  8. Trade unions play a critical role in advocating for workers’ rights and fair treatment.
  9. Filipino workers are often subjected to unsafe working conditions that jeopardize their health.
  10. The global community must exert pressure on the Philippine government to uphold workers’ rights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. What is the ITUC Global Rights Index?
    The ITUC Global Rights Index ranks countries based on the degree of protection workers’ rights receive.
  2. Why is the Philippines on this list?
    The Philippines is on the list due to severe violations of workers’ rights, particularly the right to strike, collective bargaining, and unionizing.
  3. What rights are most violated in the Philippines?
    The most violated rights include the right to strike, collective bargaining, and union formation.
  4. What is the role of Workers Rights Watch?
    Workers Rights Watch is an advocacy group that monitors and reports on workers’ rights violations and lobbies for reforms.
  5. How can Filipino workers improve their conditions?
    Workers must organize, join unions, and engage in collective bargaining to push for better rights and conditions.
  6. What is the IAC and its role in workers’ rights?
    The Inter-Agency Committee on Freedom of Association (IAC) was created to facilitate dialogue between workers, employers, and the government to address issues related to workers’ rights.
  7. What should be done to protect workers’ rights?
    There needs to be stronger enforcement of labor laws, more inclusive policymaking, and better worker education.
  8. What can unions do for workers?
    Unions can negotiate better wages and working conditions and provide legal support for workers facing rights violations.
  9. Why is the right to strike important?
    The right to strike allows workers to protest unfair conditions and demand better treatment without fear of retaliation.
  10. How does international pressure help Filipino workers?
    International attention and pressure can compel the Philippine government to strengthen labor protections and address abuses.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for Filipino Workers

The situation for workers in the Philippines is dire, but not without hope. The continued violations of workers’ rights demand immediate action. It is not only the responsibility of the government to protect workers, but also the employers, labor organizations, and the global community. Only by working together, advocating for change, and holding those in power accountable can we hope to create an environment where workers’ rights are upheld and Filipino workers are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Let this be a call for action; let’s come together to build a better, fairer future for workers across the Philippines. 🌏✊

Link Resources

  1. Global Rights Index 2025
  2. Workers’ and Employers’ Organizations in the Philippines
  3. Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (Philippines)
  4. International Labour Organization
  5. Labor Code of the Philippines

Key Phrases

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