Officials from the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), International Labour Organization (ILO) specialists, past awardees from NCMB’s Twin Search, along with representatives from various trade unions, LMC and GM practitioners, and employers participate in the Bipartite Mechanism Consultation last April 29, 2025.

Quezon City – “Industrial peace is not the absence of conflict. But rather, it is addressing and resolving conflict right there in the workplace.” said National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) Executive Director Maria Teresita Lacsamana-Cancio in her welcome message to the participants during the Consultation with Workers’ and Employers’ Organizations on April 29, 2025, at The B Hotel in Quezon City.

“Industrial peace, NCMB believes, highlights the shared and communal responsibility of both labor and management to chart the company’s journey towards stable and sound relations,” she further emphasized to an audience of more than 30.

The collaboration between the NCMB and the International Labour Organization (ILO) aimed to promote bipartite mechanisms at enterprise level—reintroducing Labor-Management Cooperation (LMC) and Grievance Machinery (GM) as mechanisms for dispute resolution to foster harmonious workplaces at par with international standards. The partnership aims to create inclusive spaces for dialogue where workers and employers can engage in meaningful discussions and learn from one another.

The event was graced by ILO Social Dialogue Specialists Suneetha Eluri and Arun Kumar, ILO National Project Coordinator Marie Alyssa Dacasin, other NCMB officials, past awardees from previous iterations of NCMB’s Twin Search for Outstanding LMC and GM for Industrial Peace, along with representatives from various trade unions, LMC and GM practitioners, and employers.

As part of her welcome message, ED Lacsamana-Cancio provided a candid assessment of the current state of the NCMB’s bipartite programs—describing it as a win, albeit a gradual one. According to the NCMB Executive Director, there are 5,599 LMCs and 5,813 GMs established in the country to date, signifying a growing recognition of the value these mechanisms bring to industrial peace.

“Our bipartite programs on LMC and GM are a manifestation of trust,” she adds. “LMC and GM are communication tools for understanding and acceptance. They are forums for discussion to bring about agreement. They provide means for joint efforts to achieve shared goals. They are mediums for industrial peace.”

During the main session, Mr. Kumar’s discussion focused on the role of workplace consultations, cooperation, and bipartite dispute resolution. In his presentation, he underscored the link between employee engagement and increased productivity, saying “Workplace consultation and cooperation agreements, which include dispute or grievance resolution mechanisms—under certain conditions—promote employee commitment and contributions towards productive, competitive enterprises.”

NCMB Deputy Executive Director Teresita Audea furthered the discussions of bipartite mechanisms by introducing the Board and its programs along with their benefits and challenges.

DED Audea briefly highlighted the Twin Search for Outstanding LMC and GM for Industrial Peace during her presentation, and acknowledged the presence of representatives from the Search’s past winners—2021 Outstanding LMC for Industrial Peace Ampleon Philippines, Inc and GM Hall of Fame Awardee Carmen Copper Corp.

Related Article:

NCMB RAISES TOAST IN LAUNCH FOR THIS YEAR’S TWIN SEARCH

Representatives from the two companies shared their testimonies and best practices that they have established that won them the award.

Atty. Ligaya Lumbay, Regional Conciliation and Mediation Branch-MIMAROPA (RCMB-MIMAROPA) Director emphasized that LMCs and GMs should go beyond dispute settlement, saying, “LMCs and GMs can be utilized as HR tools, bridging the union and the management, and should work hand-in-hand with Operations.”

To conclude, both the ILO and the NCMB also presented their plans in moving forward, highlighting how LMCs and GMs should be continuously improved in accordance with feedback, especially on what works best for the company.

The event served not only as a platform to reaffirm the importance of bipartite mechanisms but also as a celebration of past successes and a call to action for further strengthening workplace cooperation. With continued support from the ILO and other stakeholders, the NCMB remains committed to advancing social dialogue and industrial peace across all sectors of the economy.end/jppm