PGEA Representation
PGEA has established collaborative relationships with both local and international labor organizations, NGOs, the private sector, and the Philippine government to empower public sector workers towards economic, social, and political stability.
International Labour Organization (ILO)
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is the United Nations (UN) specialized agency that brings together governments, employers, and workers of 187 member states to address work and workplace issues, promote rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, strengthen dialogue on work-related issues, and enhance social protection at work, especially for women and marginalized groups. Since 1919, the ILO has been setting labor standards, developing policies, and devising programs promoting decent work for all and social justice worldwide.
PGEA has been actively involved in ILO projects and programs, including the STRENGTHEN (Trade and Employment) Project, the Pilot Application of Policy Guidelines on Just Transition towards Environmentally Sustainable Economies and Societies for All in the Philippines (Just Transition), and the Integrated Programme on Fair Recruitment (FAIR).
Furthermore, PGEA is a consistent member of the Philippine delegation for the annual International Labor Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland. Most notably, PGEA President Esperanza Ocampo became the first Filipino woman to head the Philippine workers' contingent in the 103rd ILC.
Public Services International (PSI)
Public Services International (PSI) is a global union federation of workers in public services.PSI advocates for quality public services and the rights of public service workers worldwide. PSI has over 700 affiliated unions like PGEA, in 154 countries, representing 30 million workers. PSI’s work in the Philippines is part of its broader mission to promote social justice and decent working conditions.
PGEA has held the Chair of the National Coordinating Council of the Public Service International (PSI). PGEA leaders have also taken on key positions in PSI. Brother Tirso Villacarlos and Sister Josephine Pagsuyuin were members of the PSI Health Committee and PGEA Vice President Glen Pastorfide sat in the PSI Trade Unions Rights Network. In 2009, PSI affiliates, including PGEA, led by PGEA Vice President Glen Pastorfide, began work on the Trade Union Rights project that resulted in the August 2017 ratification of ILO Convention 151 in the Philippines. As of 2023, they continue to push for the passage of an enabling law for ILO Convention 151 which is concerned with the protection of the right to organize and the procedures for determining conditions of employment in the public service.
In October 2023, PGEA leaders attended the 31st PSI World Congress where, for the first time again since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, PSI held an in-person congress.
International Trade Union Confederation
The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) is a global confederation of national trade union federations, aiming to serve as the voice of the world's working people. As of 2023, the ITUC represents 191 million workers in 167 countries and territories and has 337 national affiliates. They promote and defend workers’ rights and interests through international cooperation between trade unions, global campaigning, and advocacy work.
PGEA actively participates in and attends meetings and events hosted by the ITUC locally and abroad. In 2023, PGEA leaders participated in the 5th ITUC-Asia Pacific Regional Conference and attended ITUC-AP's Women's Committee meetings in Thailand, Singapore, Manila, and New York.
NAGKAISA
Launched on April 2012, NAGKAISA (United) is the largest coalition of labor groups in the Philippines. It is composed of labor centers, federations, and national workers' organizations. NAGKAISA advances the issues and concerns of Filipino workers like the price of electricity, security of tenure, living wage increase, and tax reforms.
PGEA has served as convenor and is currently a member of NAGKAISA. Our leaders join in peaceful rallies led by NAGKAISA in solidarity with fellow union leaders in various sectors.
Trade Union Congress
of the Philippines (TUCP)
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) is a confederation of labor federations boasting 480,000 members, making it the largest labor center in the country. TUCP set up the Trade Union Congress Party as its means of representing in Congress the interests of the labor sector. TUCP has also served as convenor and is a member of NAGKAISA.
The Philippine Government
PGEA has represented public sector workers in various government offices, boards of trustees (PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, & GSIS), committees, and events. PGEA leaders such as Dante Zamora and Donald Boo as well as PGEA Vice President Glen Pastorfide and PGEA President Esperanza Ocampo have represented our fellow government employees in the Formal Labor and Migrant Workers Sectoral Council of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC). We have also contributed to the Tripartite Industrial Council of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) inter-federation consultative body. We also partner with government agencies, LGUs, and GOCCs in raising awareness for workers' rights as well as aiding in capacity building and values formation. PGEA conducted the first general consultation on Drug Testing among public sector unions in cooperation with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and CSC.
