The idea of social equity through defending workers' rights labor has been an obsolete issue. Fairness and equality of each worker was the utmost intention of this struggle, thus the labor unions were created to facilitate workers' development in the workplace.
Labor union is the mechanism in which the problems, sentiments and conflicts among the workers and between the employers are channeled. The organization is tasked to arbitrate between workers and employees. The relevance of the organization to the common individual especially low income workers or minimum earners is that the execution of its basic functions can either affect them negatively or positively. But based on the study of Devarajen et al. (1997), the present socio-economic condition of the third world countries in terms of level of unionization has actually been declining.
As stated by Teodosio (1990), labor unionization in the Philippines is also declining and the Labor Management Council (LMC's) is increasing which means that workers have lesser opportunities for making decisions. He noted that the emergence of flexible labor arrangements further reduces workers' security which happens at almost every decline in labor growth. He also added that in this globalization period, the situation seems to have created an environment that is more conducive for capitalists.
It was also found out that among the six labor standards, equal remuneration and freedom from discrimination in employment and occupation were highly complied with, while freedom of association and protection of the right to organize were least complied ( Edralin, 1999).
This study examined labor unions effectiveness in promoting the general welfare of its members.
Statement of the Problem
The study was conducted to assess labor union effectiveness in selected banana plantations in Hagonoy, Davao del Sur .
It attempted to find the answers to the following questions:
- What is the profile of the labor unions in terms of assets, number of workers, number of officials, number of members and agricultural land area?
- What is the level of effectiveness of the labor unions in terms of provision of benefits, collective bargaining, dispute settlement and education of members?
- What is the quality of worklife in the three banana plantations in terms of interpersonal relations, satisfaction, motivation and commitment?
- Is there a significant relationship between quality of worklife and labor union effectiveness?
- Is there a significant difference in the quality of worklife in the three banana plantations in terms of interpersonal relations, satisfaction, motivation, and commitment?
- Is there a significant difference in the level of effectiveness of the three labor unions in terms of provision of benefits, collective bargaining, dispute settlement, and education of members?
Significance of the Study
The focus of the study is to determine labor union effectiveness and quality of worklife in three banana plantations of Hagonoy, Davao del Sur. Hence , the following considerations held its significance:
Firstly, the study provides information regarding the status of quality of worklife in the said plantations which could be used as information and guide for the other researchers, union officials and members and employers in identifying what services should be given priority for the improvement of their quality of life. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) could also use the findings of the study to assess the labor unions in terms of their performance and to determine if there are any complications in such industry. It could also help management of the banana company determine the needs and sentiments of the workers thus providing them necessary measures to cope with such complications.
Secondly, information of the study will provide areas to consider for union organizers, leaders, and other researchers in formulating, policies and decisions aimed at the welfare of the workers.
Thirdly, the result of the study will serve as basis for students and researchers doing related studies make further studies to validate or nullify the findings herein.
Scope and Limitation of the Study
The subject of the study are the three labor unions in the selected banana plantations in Hagonoy, Davao del Sur ,namely ;Samahang Mangagawa ng Lapanday GADECO (SAMALAG), MVPI Worker's Union (MWU) and Global Fruits Corp. Employees Union (GFGEU).The study assessed labor union effectiveness in terms of provision of benefits, collective bargaining, dispute settlement and education of members and the quality of worklife in the banana plantations .These variables on effectiveness are correlated with the quality of worklife in three banana plantations terms of interpersonal relations, satisfaction, motivation and commitment. The subject labor unions are in separate banana plantations operating under the same group of companies.
Operational Definition of Terms
For the better understanding of the study, the following terms are hereby defined:
Agricultural land area - refers to the total cultivated area (in hectares) devoted for work of the members of the labor unions.
Assets-refers to the properties and funds of a labor union accumulated from the equity of members and donation from external organizations or agencies.
Collective Bargaining -refers to the function of the labor union to negotiate with employers over wages and working conditions.
Commitment-refers to thewillingness and dedication, workers have for their work .
Dispute Settlement-refers to the function of the labor unions to stabilize and settle conflicts among workers and between workers and administration.
Education of Members - refers to the role of the labor unions to educate its members and give inputs, insights and information on matters involving workers' rights, and salaries, wages and the like.
Effectiveness -refers to the competence of labor unions to produce the desired or intended result in relation to their functions and the viability of the organization , especially in promoting and protecting their rights.
Interpersonal Relations -refers to the how harmonious is the interaction among workers in the workplace.
Labor union-refers to the association of workers recognized by law, who have joined together to protect their rights in the workplace and to influence their working conditions in subject banana plantations of Hagonoy, Davao del Sur.
Motivation-refers tothe act of giving the workers a reason or incentive to do somethingand the feeling of interest or enthusiasm that makes the workers want to do something, or something that causes such a feeling.
Provision of benefits -refers to the function of the labor unions to provide a range of benefits/ assistance to protect members from unemployment, ill, health, old age, accidents and provide for funeral expenses .
Quality of Worklife -refers to the present condition of the workers in the workplace as influenced by the labor unions operating in the area.
Satisfaction- refers to the workers' feeling of contentment when their need or desire is fulfilled.
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