AT A GLANCE:
The Labor Education Act of 2021 provides for the integration of labor education in higher education curriculums and technical and vocational education and training in the interest of educating future workers, employers, and entrepreneurs, on their rights and responsibilities in promoting harmony in the workplace and social progress in the society.
What is the Policy behind Labor Education?
Section 2 of the Labor Education Act declares the policy of the state as follows:
“The State shall afford protection to labor, promote full employment, ensure equal work opportunities regardless of sex, race or creed, and regulate the relations between workers and employers. It shall assure the rights of workers to self-organization, collective bargaining, security of tenure, and just and humane conditions of work.
To this end, the State shall put in place a mechanism to educate future workers, employers, and entrepreneurs, on their rights and responsibilities in promoting harmony in the workplace and social progress in the society.”
Tertiary Education Curriculum
Section 3(a) of the Labor Education Act states that Tertiary Education Curriculum refers to the general education curriculum designed for students taking up courses in higher education institutions (HEIs) leading to a degree and nondegree diploma and certificate courses in technical vocational institutions (TVIs).
Labor Education Act
Section 3(b) of the Labor Education Act defines Labor Education as the teaching of basic knowledge on labor rights and other skills relating to negotiation, fostering smooth interpersonal relations in the workplace, and mechanisms for redress of grievances and other concerns.
How is Labor Education integrated in Higher Education Curriculum
Section 4 of the Labor Education Act provides that all public and private higher education institutions (HEIs) shall integrate labor education as part of an elective course; and as far as practicable, hold a Labor Empowerment and Career Guidance conference which graduating students shall attend.
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED), pursuant to its mandate under Republic Act No. 7722, otherwise known as the “Higher Education Act of 1994,” shall develop the program to execute and implement the Labor Education Act. (Section 4, R.A. No. 11551)
How is Labor Education integrated into TVET?
The integration of Labor Education in Technical Education and Training (TVET) Curriculum, states that all technical vocational institutions (TVIs) offering nondegree certificate and diploma courses ranging from one (1) to three (3) years shall integrate labor education as an elective course in the TVET curriculum. (Section 5, Labor Education Act)
TVIs offering short-term courses ranging from one (1) month to less than one (1) year are encouraged to integrate labor education in the modular program of the TVET curriculum. (Section 5, Labor Education Act)
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), shall develop the appropriate modules of instructions and other relevant materials relating to labor education in TVIs.
Curriculum Review
Under Section 6 of the Labor Education Act, the coverage and quality of labor education shall be included in comprehensive curriculum review to be conducted by the CHED and the TESDA.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the CHED and the TESDA, in consultation with the DOLE and relevant stakeholders, shall formulate the rules and regulations to effectively implement the provisions of this Act. (Section 7, Labor Education Act)
Read more: Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Republic Act No. 7796)
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Alburo Alburo and Associates Law Offices specializes in business law and labor law consulting. For inquiries regarding legal services, you may reach us at info@alburolaw.com, or dial us at (02)7745-4391/ 09175772207/ 09778050020.
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