The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) has called for urgent implementation of the Trabaho Para sa Bayan (TPB) Plan, citing persistent challenges in the labor market despite improvements in unemployment and underemployment rates in November 2024.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported a 3.2% unemployment rate in November 2024, representing 1.66 million unemployed individuals, down from 1.83 million in November 2023 and 1.97 million in October 2024. The underemployment rate stood at 10.8%, with 5.35 million workers seeking additional hours or better jobs.
“Beyond the jobs data, which paint progress, we must be hard-nosed and face up to the disconnect between official statistics and public sentiment,” TUCP Vice President Luis Corral said. He referred to a recent Pulse Asia survey showing that only 23% of Filipinos approve of government efforts to create more jobs.
Corral warned of the cyclical nature of holiday-driven employment and emphasized the need for sustainable, high-quality job creation. “The Trabaho Para sa Bayan Inter-Agency Council should work triple time, especially with global challenges ahead, such as the potential impact of incoming U.S. President Donald Trump’s protectionist policies,” he added.
The TPB framework aims to address unemployment, underemployment, and precarious work by integrating labor market programs and aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 8, which promotes inclusive and sustainable economic growth and decent work for all.
Corral reiterated TUCP’s Jobs Agenda, which includes constructing a National Railway System connecting Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, and developing agri-industrial hubs to spur rural job creation, reduce urban congestion, and boost food security. “This will lower the cost of doing business, incentivize foreign investments, and democratize wealth creation,” he said.
TUCP also advocates for labor reforms to align with international labor standards, such as freedom of association and compliance with International Labour Organization recommendations. Corral noted that adherence to these standards could bolster Philippine exports to the U.S. and European Union by securing tariff-free access under programs like the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences.
Youth unemployment remains a critical concern at 9.4%, nearly three times the national rate, underscoring the need for improved metrics that prioritize job quality over quantity. The labor group stressed that many workers are underpaid, lack job security, and are unable to organize or collectively bargain.
“As a nation, we must face the uncomfortable truth: millions of Filipinos remain trapped in low-quality precarious work,” Corral said. “The administration’s promise of more and better jobs must hit the ground running.”
