Jurisdiction of the Commission
- Original and exclusive jurisdiction over employee-employer relations, including disputes and grievances potentially leading to strikes and lockouts as defined by Republic Act No. 875.
- Jurisdiction over all strikes overtaken by Proclamation No. 1081.
- Authority over all pending cases in the Bureau of Labor Relations.
Requirement to Exhaust Grievance Procedures Before Commission Intervention
- Parties must first exhaust grievance procedures outlined in collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) or mutually agreed dispute resolution methods.
- Complainants must provide proof of failure to settle disputes through these methods before raising issues to the Commission.
Voluntary Arbitration Before Commission Jurisdiction
- The Commission or its representatives must offer parties an opportunity for voluntary arbitration before exercising jurisdiction.
- If parties fail to agree on an arbitrator, the Commission may appoint one or act as arbitrator itself.
Decisions, Appeals, and Mediation Outside Greater Manila
- Commission decisions are immediately executory.
- Appeals may be filed with the Secretary of Labor, who must decide within five days.
- Secretary of Labor's decisions are appealable to the President.
- Outside Greater Manila, the Commission can designate representatives to mediate, conciliate, or conduct fact-finding, with findings submitted within five days.
Mandatory Arbitration Clause in Collective Bargaining Agreements
- All CBAs must include a provision for a voluntary arbitrator (individual or committee) to resolve disputes arising from CBAs.
- Existing CBAs lacking such provisions must be amended and reported to the Commission.
- All lockouts are declared illegal.
Powers of the Commission
- Power to administer oaths.
- Authority to issue subpoenas and subpoena duces tecum.
- Power to hold persons in contempt for refusal to comply with orders.
Designation of Assistants and Personnel
- Secretary of Labor shall, on Commission recommendation, appoint mediators, fact-finders, representation officers, and other necessary personnel from the Department of Labor.
Rules of Procedure and Case Resolution Timeline
- The Commission shall promulgate procedural rules to ensure all cases are resolved or terminated within 30 days of filing.
- It will issue rules governing collective bargaining.
Enforcement and Penalties
- The President, upon recommendation, may order arrest and detention of persons held in contempt for non-compliance with Commission subpoenas, orders, or decisions.
- Violations of the Decree and its implementing rules are subject to these enforcement measures.
Restrictions on Employer Actions Without Clearance
- Employers cannot shut down establishments or dismiss/terminate regular employees (with at least one year of service) without written clearance from the Secretary of Labor.
Repeal of Inconsistent Laws
- Any existing laws, orders, or regulations inconsistent with this Decree are repealed upon its promulgation.