ERDANLOVE C.

DIEL
MBA

TASK 1: INTERVIEW WITH EMPLOYEES FROM PRIVATE AND GOVERNMENT SECTORS

Labor laws play a fundamental role in protecting the rights and welfare of workers in our society. In the
Philippines, these laws govern both the private and public sectors, aiming to establish fair employment
practices and ensure social justice. However, the perspectives of workers from these sectors often vary
due to differences in working conditions, organizational structures, and legal frameworks. In an interview
to six workers, three from private sector and three from public sector explores the distinct viewpoints
regarding Philippine labor laws.

Private Sector Perspectives:

Workers in the private sector, represented by Cedrick, Kaycee, and Beth in our interviews, encounter
unique challenges governed by market dynamics and profit motives. Contractualization emerges as a
predominant concern, with many employees facing job insecurity and a lack of benefits due to short-
term contracts. Cedrik, a graphic artist, articulates the uncertainty and vulnerability experienced under
this arrangement. Kaycee, a call center agent, highlights the stressful working conditions prevalent in
BPO industry, underscoring the need for better protections. Beth, an admin officer, underscores the
importance of enforcing labor laws to address violations and ensure fair treatment.

Moreover, there is a consensus among private sector workers regarding the need for increased
awareness of labor rights and stronger enforcement mechanisms. Cedrick emphasizes the necessity of
educating employees about their entitlements, while Kaycee and Beth advocate for stricter enforcement
to hold employers accountable for violations. These perspectives underscore the importance of labor
laws in protecting the rights and welfare of workers in the private sector.

Public Sector Perspectives:

Conversely, public sector workers, represented by Jocelyn, Jo, and Bryan, operate within government
institutions where stability and security are prioritized. Jocelyn, a public-school teacher, Jo, a social
worker, and Bryan, a civil engineer, highlight the benefits of tenure protection, merit-based hiring, and
safety regulations provided by Philippine labor laws. However, they also acknowledge challenges such as
bureaucratic inefficiencies and resource constraints.

Jo and Bryan draw attention to bureaucratic red tape, which hinders efficiency and morale among public
sector employees. They advocate for streamlining processes to improve effectiveness and service
delivery. Bryan further emphasizes the impact of resource constraints on infrastructure projects,
stressing the need for strategic resource allocation.
TASK 2: INTERVIEW WITH EMPLOYERS/HEAD OF OFFICE FROM PRIVATE AND GOVERNMENT SECTORS

Private Employer Sector Perspectives:

Private employers in the Philippines encounter several challenges in response to the country's labor
laws. One of the primary difficulties lies in the complexity and volume of regulations governing various
aspects of employment, from wages and working hours to benefits and termination procedures. This
extensive regulatory framework can pose challenges for employers, particularly small and medium-sized
enterprises (SMEs), who may struggle to allocate sufficient resources to ensure full compliance.

In an interview with Lovely, a printing service proprietor, she emphasized challenges of ensuring
compliance with minimum wage laws and providing mandated benefits such as social security and
health insurance. This has been a crucial issue on her part as employer who owns a business with narrow
profit margins. Meeting these requirements while remaining competitive in the market can be
demanding.

Moreover, Venus a pharmacy owner highlighted the unscheduled inspections by government agencies
tasked with enforcing labor laws, such as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Adhering to
inspection requirements and addressing identified violations can be time-consuming and resource-
intensive.

Furthermore, Venus made mention about dealing with employee grievances, disputes, and legal
proceedings related to labor issues which for her also poses significant challenges for employers.
Resolving disputes while ensuring fair treatment of employees and navigating the legal process can be
complex and costly, especially for smaller businesses lacking dedicated legal resources.

Lastly, Lovely opened about the many changes in policies and rules pertaining to employee’s welfare
which she admittedly hard to adapt and comprehend. Adapting to these changes and adjusting to
policies and practices accordingly requires continuous monitoring and timely implementation.

Head of Office’s Perspectives in Public Sector:

Government heads of office in the Philippines shoulder the responsibility of managing public sector
workplaces while adhering to the country's labor laws. In fulfilling this duty, they encounter several
challenges that shape their decision-making processes and organizational management practices.

According to Dr. Lonzaga, principal of Kidapawan City National High School, one of the foremost
challenges for government heads of office is ensuring compliance with the extensive and intricate labor
regulations set forth by Philippine law. Navigating through this complex legal framework demands
meticulous attention to detail and a thorough understanding of labor laws to prevent unintentional
violations according to her.

One of the challenges she usually experience is the managing of contractual arrangements and
employment statuses of teaching and non-teaching personnel in the school. The school often hire
personnel under various contractual agreements, ranging from regular appointments to short-term
contracts and casual employment. Ensuring proper classification and adherence to regulations regarding
job security and benefits entitlements is imperative to avoid legal disputes and uphold employee rights.

On the other hand, Ms. Daren a department head, experience hardships in addressing grievances and
disputes among government employees under her department. Handling disciplinary actions, resolving
conflicts, and ensuring due process in employee relations require strong leadership, effective
communication skills, and a commitment to upholding fair and equitable treatment of personnel.

Being the head of the department, it is also her responsibility ensures compliance with health and safety
standards among employees. Implementing safety protocols, conducting regular inspections, and
addressing hazards promptly are essential components of ensuring workplace safety and mitigating
potential liabilities.

Budget constraints and resource limitations further compound the challenges faced by the two
government heads of office in responding to labor laws. Balancing the need to comply with regulatory
requirements while operating within constrained budgets necessitates careful prioritization and resource
management to optimize efficiency and effectiveness.