Latest news with #GlobalRightsIndex
GMA Network
2 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
PH among 10 worst countries for workers for 9th year
The Philippines has retained its spot as one of the 10 worst countries for workers, according to the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Global Rights Index released on Friday, June 6. Workers Rights Watch, which released the report in a press conference, said the Philippines made the 10 worst list for the ninth straight year. Others listed under 10 worst countries for workers include: Bangladesh Belarus Ecuador Egypt Eswatini Myanmar Nigeria Tunisia Turkey Workers Rights Watch is comprised of the Federation of Free Workers , Kilusang Mayo Uno, Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura, National Federation of Sugar Workers, Alliance of Concerned Teachers. Kilusan ng Manggagawang Kababaihan, Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees, Public Services Labor Independent Confederation, Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino (BMP), Migrante Philippines, and the Center for Trade Union and Human Rights. Based on the report, the right to strike is the most violated workers' right in the Philippines at 87%, followed by right to collective bargaining agreement at 80%, right to establish or join union at 75%, and right to justice at 72%. 'This has been happening for ninth straight year, and we really have a lot to do in engaging the government and employers so we can be removed from this list,' Julius Cainglet of Workers Rights Watch said in a press conference. Workers Rights Watch said that while President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. issued Executive Order 23 establishing the Inter-Agency Committee (IAC) on Freedom of Association (FOA) headed by the Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, this IAC did not include trade unions, and that workers and employers were belatedly made as regular dialogue partners. 'Ironically, no regular meetings with social partners were set. The first time EO 23 IAC met with workers this year, it was not scheduled, but a knee jerk reaction to the WRW (Workers Rights Watch) Report launched on March 17, 2025,' the group added. Likewise, the group said the Omnibus Guidelines on the Exercise of Freedom of Association and Civil Liberties, which outlines the behavior of state security forces and necessary protocols, issued jointly by agencies under the EO 23 does not provide sanctions and other administrative and criminal liabilities of erring state security forces. In addition, the group said the Omnibus Guidelines does not cover workers in public service, nor those in the informal economy. 'With no teeth that an Executive Order could provide, it does not discourage violating FOA (freedom of association) of workers,' it added.—AOL, GMA Integrated News
Muscat Daily
6 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman improves workers' rights ranking in 2025 ITUC index
Muscat – Oman has improved its standing in the 2025 ITUC Global Rights Index, moving from a rating of 4 to 3 – an improvement described as significant by labour observers. Released by International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) during the International Labour Conference in Geneva being held from June 2 to 13, the index assesses workers' rights across 151 countries. The rise in Oman's rating resulted from a series of recent labour reforms, particularly establishment of a tripartite dialogue mechanism involving representatives from the government, employers and workers. The mechanism is led by General Federation of Oman Workers (GFOW) and aims to enhance social dialogue and ensure more inclusive policymaking. 'These reforms have paved the way for constructive engagement on employment issues and more efficient mechanisms for resolving labour disputes,' the ITUC report stated. The tripartite committee now plays a key role in drafting, reviewing and amending labour legislation. The reforms have also improved workers' access to justice and promoted fairer dispute resolution processes. The Global Rights Index measures countries against 97 indicators based on International Labour Organization (ILO) standards, covering the right to strike, freedom of association, collective bargaining, protection from violence and freedom of expression for trade unionists. Ratings range from 1 (best) to 5 (worst). Oman's progress contrasts with broader regional trends. The Middle East and North Africa remains the lowest-ranked region globally, with an average score of 4.68 in 2025, slightly better than its lowest-ever score of 4.74 in 2024. The report stated, 'This indicates that most workers are subject to systematic violations or have no guarantee of basic labour rights.' It noted that workers in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates continue to face bans or restrictions on freedom of association and the right to organise. These limitations particularly affect migrant workers, who make up a large portion of the workforce in those countries. 'Oman offered a glimmer of progress, improving its rating from 4 to 3 in 2025, due to a series of progressive labour reforms aimed at strengthening social dialogue and dispute resolution,' the report added. Oman is one of only three countries that improved their ratings this year, alongside Australia and Moldova. In contrast, seven countries – Argentina, Costa Rica, Georgia, Italy, Mauritania, Niger and Panama – saw their ratings worsen. The ten worst countries for workers in 2025 were listed as Bangladesh, Belarus, Ecuador, Egypt, Eswatini, Myanmar, Nigeria, the Philippines, Tunisia and Türkiye. ITUC said this year's report revealed a worsening crisis for workers and unions globally, with average ratings deteriorating in three out of five world regions. Europe and the Americas recorded their worst scores since the index was launched in 2014. Only seven countries received the top-tier rating in 2025.
