The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has crafted several measures to address some of the labor concerns raised by business according to the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP).

Henry Schumacher, ECCP executive vice-president, was quoted on the group's website as saying a dialogue with DOLE officials was held recently to discuss these concerns.

On reducing regulation, Schumacher said DOLE has indicated its strong support for companies voluntary compliance with labor regulations and is developing awards and a seal of excellence that could give a recipient company a competitive edge.

DOLE relayed that it is encouraging companies that are fully compliant with regulations to pressure subcontractors and suppliers to also comply, Schumacher said.

He added that DOLE has also addressed the controversial issue of women working on night shift. 

He said DOLE has issued an advisory that allows women to work at night in business process outsourcing (BPO) companies so that BPO firms do not have to apply anymore for exemption.

Schumacher said DOLE is seeking a dialogue with the private sector on the issue of security of tenure, so that a compromise could be reached. 

He said DOLE is backing moves to "dejudicialize" the labor environment through mediation and is asking the private sector to help in this policy shift.

Source: Malaya, Business, 22 March 2011