Unionism is not a crime, yet workers all around the world are facing increased challenges and obstacles when it comes to organizing and advocating for their rights. The right to form and join a union is a fundamental human right, recognized by international law and protected by numerous conventions and treaties. However, many employers and governments continue to violate this right, often with impunity.

Workers who attempt to organize and form unions are often met with resistance, intimidation, and even retaliation from their employers. They may face threats of job loss, harassment, or even physical violence. In the Philippines, union leaders and members are targeted for their activism and face imprisonment, torture, or even death.

Despite these challenges, workers continue to fight for their rights and demand better working conditions, dignify wages, and respect in the workplace. Unions have played a crucial role in advancing workers’ rights and improving labor standards around the world. They have fought for and won protections such as the eight-hour workday, minimum wage laws, workplace safety regulations, and paid leave.

In the 112th session of the International Labor Conference, the Philippines was in the spotlight in the violation of the Freedom of Association. After the International Labor Organization High Level Tripartite Mission in the Philippines in January 2023, there was no significant changes in the plight of the workers particularly to the massacre of the labor union leaders, attacks to the trade unionist and red-tagging to the labor activist.  The International Trade Union Confederation ranked again the Philippines among the top 10 worst countries, most dangerous countries for workers.

The International Young Christian Workers support the calls for the immediate release of the labor organizers and activist from the detention. We also join the call for the abolishment of the National Task Force to End Local Communist and Arm Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) as one of those responsible for the worsening labor rights abuses, harassments, Intimidations, abductions, red-tagging and killings of union leaders and organizers in the Philippines.

Unionism is not a crime, but a fundamental right that should be protected and respected. Workers have the right to organize, advocate for their rights, and improve their working conditions. We call to stand in solidarity with workers and defend their rights to ensure a more just and equitable society for all.