The Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU) paid a visit to the Bureau of Labor Relations (BLR) on 15 May 2017 at the BLR Office in Intramuros, Manila.

Director Benjo Santos M. Benavidez received and welcomed the Korean delegation headed by FKTU Chairman Jae Hwan and twelve (12) other members of the organization.

“The Philippines and South Korea have a long-standing diplomatic and economic relationship. We also acknowledge the contribution of South Korea in providing jobs to Filipino workers and supporting the Philippine tourism industry,” Dir. Benavidez said.

The meeting focused on Philippine labor market and industrial relations, including issues and concerns on trade unionism in the Philippines.

FKTU asked about the state of trade unionism in the country specifically on union membership and on the extent of exercising the right to self-organization and collective bargaining. The Philippine wage system and retirement laws were also discussed during the meeting. FKTU also asked about the social security and taxation system in the Philippines.

Dir. Benavidez also shared the country’s issue on short-term employment and other issues confronting the trade unions.

Chairman Hwan expressed gratitude to the BLR for the warm welcome.

The FKTU is a trade union center in South Korea and is affiliated with the International Trade Union Confederation. Its primary mission is to promote workers’ rights and interests through international cooperation, global campaigning and advocacy.

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