Law Summary
Procedure for Conciliation-Mediation
- Conciliation-mediation is a voluntary mode of dispute resolution but is mandatory as a first step before adjudication, reinforcing its role in labor dispute settlement.
- Parties involved in the dispute may pre-terminate the conciliation-mediation process.
- Upon pre-termination, parties may request referral or endorsement to the appropriate DOLE agency or office with jurisdiction over the dispute.
- If both parties agree, unresolved issues may be referred to voluntary arbitration instead.
Authority to Implement Rules and Regulations
- The Secretary of Labor and Employment is mandated to promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to effectively implement the provisions of this Act.
Amendments and Repealing Provisions
- Presidential Decree No. 442, as amended (Labor Code of the Philippines), and all inconsistent laws, presidential issuances, rules, and regulations are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly to conform with the Act.
Effectivity of the Act
- The Act becomes effective fifteen (15) days following its complete publication in the Official Gazette or at least two (2) newspapers of national circulation.
Important Legal Concepts Introduced
- Establishes conciliation-mediation as a mandatory and primary mechanism for the resolution of labor disputes.
- Emphasizes the role of authorized officers in endorsing cases to labor arbiters or DOLE offices.
- Provides flexibility allowing parties to either terminate conciliation-mediation early or agree to voluntary arbitration.
- Institutes regulatory authority for the Secretary of Labor and Employment to ensure effective implementation and administration of the conciliation-mediation process.