Question & AnswerQ&A (BUREAU OF LABOR RELATIONS)
The primary purpose is to provide a just, expeditious, and inexpensive settlement of labor disputes through conciliation-mediation.
Conciliation-Mediation refers to the process of dispute management conducted by the SEADO to facilitate an amicable settlement of labor disputes in accordance with the Rules.
An RFA is a request for the conduct of conciliation-mediation under SENA to help parties reach a settlement agreement.
An employee, group of employees, employer, or union who files a Request for Assistance (RFA) can be considered a Requesting Party.
The maximum duration is 30 calendar days, with a possible extension of up to seven days if mutually agreed upon by the parties.
Notices of strikes or lockouts, issues involving interpretation or implementation of collective bargaining agreements, and violations of certain permits or licenses like Alien Employment Permit, PRC professional licenses, and others.
It must be filed at any Single Entry Assistance Desk (SEAD) or unit in the region/provincial/district/field office where the employer principally operates or where the union/local chapter is registered.
The SEADO must clarify issues, validate positions, encourage parties to generate options, offer proposals, and facilitate preparation of settlement documents.
Yes, lawyers may appear to render advice, and with a special power of attorney, attorneys-in-fact may represent parties and enter into binding agreements.
The SEADO shall issue a Referral to the appropriate DOLE office or agency, or to voluntary arbitration if both parties agree.
No, they are privileged and cannot be used as evidence except for agreed stipulations, facts of common knowledge, or if confidentiality is waived.
The settlement agreement is final and binding on the parties.
The requesting party may disregard the agreement and file a case or seek enforcement of the settlement agreement through the appropriate forum or the National Labor Relations Commission.
The RCC establishes SEADs, evaluates conciliation services, convenes meetings with tripartite partners, formulates implementation plans, and submits performance reports.