Trade Union

Congress In The
Philippines
 The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines
(TUCP) is the largest national trade union center
in the Philippines. Formed in 1975 with the official
backing of the Marcos government, TUCP is
affiliated with the International Confederation of
Free Trade Unions.
 Today, the TUCP, as the most representative labor center in
the country is composed of almost 30 federations with
members in all sectors and industries (from agriculture to
manufacturing to services) including government employees.
It also has members coming from associations/organizations
of groups from the OFWs, informal sector, drivers, urban poor,
youth groups, cooperatives, alliances, coalitions and other
civil society groups.
Operational Structure

 The highest governing body of the TUCP is the Convention

which is held once every five years. The delegates to the
Convention elect the TUCP officials and formulate major
policies and initiatives which guide the TUCP’s program of
action for the next five years. In between Conventions, the
TUCP is governed by the General Council which is composed
of heads of the TUCP federations. The General Council meets
at least once in six months to assess and review TUCP
policies and programs.
 Next to the General Council is the Executive Board whose
members are elected during the Convention. It meets as often
as the need arises and decides on TUCP responses on
crucial developments that affect the labor sector.
The day to day function of the TUCP is carried out by its
different departments such as Research, Education,
Publications and Information, Youth, Membership Services,
Women, Administrative and Finance, Legal, Rural Worker and
Medical and Dental.
Mission of TUCP

 The TUCP is dedicated to:

 Building democratic organizations run/led by members;
 Strengthening the workers movement, building skills/capacities;
 Instilling nationalism, solidarity, equity and social responsibility;
 Promoting equal rights and opportunities for all; and
 Improving conditions of work and life of workers and their families,
including those of none—members.
 Committed to:
 Developing critical cooperation with government;
 Advocating for an economic policy which promotes national
interest and international competitiveness; and
 Further strengthening internal and international solidarity and
cohesiveness among the union of the world.
 Core Principles
 Democratize wealth, incomes and power;
 Build democratic organizations and instill nationalism,
solidarity, equity and social responsibility;
 Improve conditions of work and life of workers and their
families, including non-members;
 Protect workers’ wages and job security and prepare vigilance
over the deterioration of working conditions;
 Strengthen bargaining positions of unions, work towards
industrial peace and development;
 Enhance internal and international solidarity and
cohesiveness among unions of the world; and
 Adhere to principled collaboration with government, other
workers organizations and institutions.
 Objectives
 A democratic society where fundamental human and trade
union rights are deeply respected;
 A sustainable economy that ensures decent jobs, just wages
and the equitable distribution of wealth;
 A dynamic and responsive labor sector that is well educated,
responsible, vigilant and cohesive that takes the lead in
advancing the welfare of the masses;
 Empowered communities that are self-reliant and energized to
harness participation of all;
 Families that are provided adequate opportunities for stability,
growth and development; and
 Citizens who fully participate in the process and gains from
the benefits of a democratic way of life.
 TUCP Programs
 Labor Law Revision/Amendments
 Better Implementation of Laws
 Human an Trade Union Rights

 Monitoring Core Standards, Corporate Codes of Conduct

 Global Compact and OECD Guidelines
 Appreciation of Standards and Codes
 Verifying Compliance
 Filing cases
Organizing
 Organizers’ Conference
 Industry Planning/Organizing Techniques
 Industry Situationer/Analysis
 Merger Forum
 Alliance Building/Work

 Workers Education
 Education Curriculum, Modules
 “Back to Basics”
 Political / Ideological Education
 Collective Bargaining Negotiations
 Project Design/Planning
 Project Administration
 Management

Cooperatives
 Coop Education Curriculum
 Managing/Administering Cooperatives
 Coop Finance/Bookkeeping
 Gender Concerns
 Gender Responsiveness and Mainstreaming of Unions, including:
 Maternity Protection
 Sexual Harassment at Work
 Youth Organizing and Leadership Development
 Globalization and Unions
 Productivity and Competitiveness of Workers
 Decent Work
 Workers’ Solidarity
 Workers and Information Technology
 Civic Advocacy
 Barangay/LGU Representatives Education
 RTWPB Representatives Education
 Prospective Sectoral Representatives Training

Health Concerns
 Occupational Safety and Health
 Workplace Reproductive Health
 HIV / AIDS and the World of Work
 Drugs and Substance Abuse
 Special Concerns
 Migrant Worker’s Concerns
 Environmentally Sustainable Development
 Informal Sector
 Child Labor
 Family Welfare / Family Budget