Activity: Lesson 2

Lesson 2: Labor Issues in the Philippines Labor problems as viewed in Philippine social realities reveal a chain of causes and effects that are inextricably linked by economic, political and cultural factors. (LABOR PROBLEMS, n.d.) Activity: Situational Analysis Examine the situations below and explain the possible effects of labor issues.1. Low Wages - The wage rate in the Philippines is way behind those in other countries; in theUnited States, the wage rate is seventeen times more than the wage rate in the Philippines; in developed countries, ten times more; and in less developed countries, four times more. Therefore, it is not surprising to learn of a survey conducted by the Union Bank of Switzerland placing Filipino workers’ wages second to the lowest in the world (Labor Problems, n.d.). 2. Poor Working Conditions - Inadequate physical facilities and occupational safety measures exposure to hazardous chemicals, unreasonable work schedule, unjust compensation, inadequate leave benefits, limited, if not the absence of opportunity for personal and professional growth, and unstable employment status – these are but a few of the unjust working conditions that burden Filipino workers, (Labor Problems, n.d.). 3. Discrimination - Discrimination concerning sex, age, beliefs, and race still exist in the areas of hiring, promotion, and compensation. The rate of unemployment of women is higher than men. Quite a several establishments refuse to hire women. Some deprive women of equal opportunities for career advancement. Age consideration is another discriminating factor. Although the Labor Code defines the legal age brackets for employment, many establishments still prefer employing workers who are neither too young nor too old. Finally, racial discrimination has become a disturbing reality for Filipino overseas workers who are forced to take menial jobs as domestic helpers and laborers even if their educational attainment and experience prove that they are over-qualified for the work they take, (Labor Problems, n.d.). Process Question: 1. What interventions does the government need to implement to address the labor issues of the country? 2. How are labor issues relevant to migration as a result of globalization?