Question & AnswerQ&A (Acts No. 1868)
The main purpose of the Bureau of Labor is to ensure the proper enforcement of labor laws, promote legislation for the improvement of workers, collect and compile labor-related statistics, inspect labor conditions, help secure just compensation and indemnity for workers, and organize employment agencies.
The Bureau of Labor is established under the Department of Commerce and Police.
The Governor-General, with the consent of the Philippine Commission, appoints the Director of Labor and the Assistant Director of Labor.
The Director of Labor, with approval from the Governor-General, has the power to administer oaths, issue subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum, receive affidavits, and take testimony of witnesses and experts when making investigations.
The Director of Labor is to be paid seven thousand pesos per annum, and the Assistant Director of Labor four thousand pesos per annum.
The Bureau is tasked to collect data related to hours and wages of labor, employment status, demographics of workers, living conditions, work environment safety, accidents, labor difficulties, savings, and labor organizations.
The Bureau induces parties to submit their differences to arbitration to prevent strikes and lockouts and secure settlement of disputes.
The Bureau aids laborers by inspecting workplaces to prevent health and safety hazards, ensuring payment and indemnity for injuries, and taking legal steps to uphold workers' rights.
The Bureau may organize one or more employment agencies in towns it deems necessary to facilitate employment services.
Acts No. 1868 took effect on its passage, June 18, 1908.