PASIG CITY – The 2024 Luzon Cluster Convention on Labor-Management Cooperation (LMC) was jointly organized by the Philippine League of Labor-Management Cooperation Practitioners Inc. (PHILAMCOP) and the Luzon Regional Conciliation and Mediation Branches (RCMB). The event, held on 05 September 2024 at ACE Hotel & Suites, Pasig City, centered around the theme, “Innovate, Integrate, Collaborate: Shaping the Future Workplace.”

The Convention was attended by 216 labor and management representatives from 72 companies across Luzon. The event covered a range of topics aimed at enriching the knowledge and honing the skills of LMC practitioners to create and maintain harmonious workplaces.

In her welcome address, PHILAMCOP President Gina Fe G. Israel acknowledged the LMC advocates present and emphasized the significant role of LMCs in ensuring continued partnership and collaboration between labor and management. She also highlighted that the remarkable LMC program is made possible through the guidance and facilitation of NCMB officials.

RCMB-NCR Director Edgar Aquino welcomed and thanked the participants for travelling from all parts of Luzon despite the bad weather, especially those from distant provinces. This illustrates the strong interest and determination of LMC practitioners in Luzon to continuously use available resources for knowledge-building and improvement. Director Aquino acknowledged the PHILAMCOP for spearheading and collaborating with NCMB to stage this year’s Luzon Cluster LMC Conference. He added that we all do these things for the glory of God and in the interest of industrial peace.

Mr. Jesse Francis Rebustillo of the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP), started the convention with a presentation on Creating Synergy: Attitude, Communication, and Conflict Resolution. He emphasized that creating synergy in the workplace requires maintaining a mindful attitude, clear and effective communication, and resolving conflicts by choosing solutions that consider the needs and capacities of both labor and management.

Director Edgar Aquino discussed Workers’ Rights and Management Prerogative and provided updates on Labor Standards. He reminded the audience of the different work scenarios involving workers’ rights, exercise of management prerogative, and compliance with general labor standards. The participants engaged in an interactive discussion to capture their attention and encourage active participation.

During the last session, Dr. Melisa R. Serrano, Dean and Professor of UP-SOLAIR, delivered an insightful discussion on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Future of Work. She discussed the challenges and opportunities of incorporating AI to our advantage. “We can manage the transition if we mitigate the effects of automation, ensure job equality, and address the digital divide,” she underscored.

PHILAMCOP P.R.O. Henry Roman concluded the program by expressing gratitude to everyone who attended and actively participated in the discussions. He also extended an invitation to the upcoming events, including the much-awaited 14th National LMC Convention and awarding of the Outstanding LMC and Grievance Machinery for Industrial Peace, which will be held next year in Iloilo City.

PHILAMCOP is the prime mover of labor-management cooperation, in fostering industrial peace and productivity towards growth and development in the Philippines and Asia Pacific Region.

END/ Louise Jeanelle F. Zamora