AN ACT TO EXTEND PROTECTION TO LABOR

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 6715 (Labor Relations Law)

Workers' Rights and Preferences
- Workers shall have first preference for unpaid wages and monetary claims in case of employer's bankruptcy or liquidation. (Section 1)
- Workers can recover wages, money claims, and benefits through summary proceedings before the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Claims up to ₱5,000 can be resolved by the Regional Director or hearing officer within 30 days. (Section 2)

National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC)
- Establishes the NLRC as an attached agency to DOLE for policy coordination, composed of a Chairman and 14 members. (Section 5)
- The NLRC shall have exclusive appellate jurisdiction over cases decided by Labor Arbiters. (Section 7)
- Defines the jurisdiction, powers, and duties of the NLRC, including the power to hold parties in contempt and issue injunctions. (Sections 8-10)
- Outlines the appointment, qualifications, tenure, salaries, and benefits of NLRC officials. (Sections 15-16)

Labor Disputes and Collective Bargaining
- Emphasizes the primacy of free collective bargaining, voluntary arbitration, mediation, and conciliation in settling labor disputes. (Section 3)
- Defines the rights and responsibilities of legitimate labor organizations, including the right to collective bargaining and union security. (Sections 17-19)
- Outlines the procedures for collective bargaining, including the role of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board. (Section 20)
- Establishes a 5-year term for the representation aspect of collective bargaining agreements and procedures for renegotiation. (Section 21)
- Regulates the certification of exclusive bargaining representatives and the conduct of certification elections. (Sections 24-26)

Grievance Machinery and Voluntary Arbitration
- Requires parties to include grievance machinery and voluntary arbitration provisions in collective bargaining agreements. (Section 26)
- Defines the jurisdiction of voluntary arbitrators and panels over grievances and labor disputes. (Sections 26-27)
- Outlines the procedures, costs, and fees for voluntary arbitration. (Section 26)

Other Provisions
- Authorizes the Secretary of Labor to assume jurisdiction over labor disputes in industries indispensable to national interest and to certify disputes for compulsory arbitration. (Section 27)
- Prohibits aliens from engaging in trade union activities, with exceptions for foreign workers with valid permits. (Section 29)
- Establishes penalties for violations of the law, including fines and imprisonment. (Section 30)
- Grants the Secretary of Labor visitorial powers over the financial activities of labor organizations. (Section 31)
- Declares tripartism as a State policy and authorizes tripartite conferences. (Section 32)
- Authorizes unions to collect fees, dues, and contributions for various purposes, and establishes a Special Voluntary Arbitration Fund. (Section 33)
- Amends provisions related to security of tenure and termination of employment. (Section 34)