Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 3600)
The primary purpose of Republic Act No. 3600 is to prohibit the employment of strike breakers and the transporting or escorting of individuals seeking to replace strikers by peace officers and/or armed persons during labor strikes, and to provide penalties for violations thereof.
A "strike breaker" is defined as any person knowingly employed for the purpose of obstructing or interfering by force or threats with peaceful picketing by employees during a labor controversy affecting wages, hours, or conditions of labor, or the exercise by employees of the rights of self-organization or collective bargaining.
It is unlawful for any employer to employ any strike breaker, and it is also unlawful for any person to be knowingly employed as a strike breaker.
The law prohibits commanding officers of troops in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, individual soldiers, any peace officers, and/or armed persons from bringing in, introducing, or escorting persons who seek to replace strikers into or out of the strike area.
"Strike area" refers to the establishment of the employer that is being struck against, including the immediate vicinity actually used by picketing strikers in marching to and from, including all points of entrance and exit to and from the establishment.
Yes. The Act does not prevent commanding officers of troops, members of the Armed Forces, or peace officers from taking necessary measures to maintain peace and order and to protect life and property.
Violators are guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, may be fined up to five thousand pesos, imprisoned for up to two years, or both, at the court's discretion.
If the violation is committed by a firm, association, or corporation, the manager or, in his default, the acting persons in charge are liable.
Any criminal liability arising from violation of the Act is extinguished if the strike is declared illegal. However, prosecution during the pendency of the strike's legality or illegality is suspended or held in abeyance.
The Act took effect upon its approval on June 22, 1963.