Public Sector Unionism and the Government Rationalization Program: Some Issues and Concerns

Abstract

This paper is about issues and concerns of public sector unions in the Philippines emanating from Executive Order No. 366 which spelled out the government's rationalization program. As a backgrounder, the authors discuss trends in public sector organizing. They present the views of key union informants about the streamlining program focusing on its effects on the workers and the unions themselves. The authors propose among others, that public sector unions must strategize for action. They should develop a "more aggressive grassroots organizing strategy," in place of the "traditional top down servicing model."