A GROUP of employers and workers signed a historic pact on transitioning to a low-carbon economy on Thursday, October 3.
The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) and Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) said they will present the agreement to several agencies like the Trade, and Transportation departments, among others.
The agreement pushes for a transition from fossil fuel and coal to renewable energy while respecting workers’ rights.
“We are paving the way for businesses to succeed in a green economy while ensuring that workers are supported every step of the way,” said Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr., president of ECOP.
“Ang klima ay concern ng mga manggagawa hindi lang sa henerasyon na ito, kundi pati susunod. Ang pagbaba ng temperatura ay concern ng lahat,” said Atty. Sonny Matula, representing the FFW.
They said this is a historic framework as employers and workers came to an agreement without any interference from the government.
Matula said it’s important to put workers’ rights at the center of the discussion so that they will be prioritized in the transition.
There are workers in plastic and coal factories that are in danger of getting displaced because of the transition.
“There is no just transition without workers’ rights. We are glad that employers agree with workers on this point. We need a seat at the table,” said Matula, president of the FFW.
The Philippines is still defining its transition framework, with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) calling for a forum on the matter days ago.
“A just transition is not just about meeting environmental goals; it is about balancing those goals with the economic realities businesses face,” added Ortiz-Luis. (ABS-CBN News)
