Fighting for the Filipino workers' rights: A history of the TUCP and party, 1975-2017

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ID: 286256
2025
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Abstract
The famous Greek playwright Sophocles once declared, “Without labor, nothing prospers,” encapsulating the essential role that labor plays in society and the economy. Workers are not only indispensable to production, but they also form the backbone of economic development. When workers are empowered and their rights upheld, they contribute significantly to economic prosperity. Conversely, when they are exploited, underpaid, or denied basic rights, it can hinder company operations and even affect national stability. This thesis explores the evolution of labor unionism in the Philippines, focusing specifically on the rise and role of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) and its political arm, the TUCP Party, within the socio-political and economic landscape from 1975 to 2017. The research employs the New Institutionalism framework, which emphasizes the role of institutions in shaping political behavior and social norms. This is combined with a descriptive-analytical method, enabling an in-depth study of historical labor conditions and contemporary union practices. Interviews with current and former TUCP leaders and legal experts enrich the findings, including insights from Congressman Mendoza and Attorneys Vince Camillon and Hernan Nicdao. Labor unionism in the Philippines has a long and tumultuous history. During the Spanish colonial era, Filipino workers were subjected to forced labor (polo), building structures such as churches and bridges with little or no compensation. Only Spanish officials and aristocrats were exempt due to their ability to pay tributes. Unfortunately, the system was heavily abused, and Filipino laborers suffered grave injustices. Under American rule , conditions did not improve significantly. Workers continued to experience low wages, unsafe environments, and insufficient rest. However, the early 1900s saw a surge in labor activism. In 1902, Isabelo de los Reyes established the Union Obrera Democratica Filipina (UODF), the country’s first labor union center. A year later, the Philippines celebrated its first Labor Day on May 1, with over 100,000 workers rallying for better pay, working conditions, rights, and an end to U.S. imperialism. After World War II, the Philippines faced widespread economic devastation. Factories and businesses had been destroyed, and workers endured the same poor labor conditions seen in the American era. The emergence of the Cold War led to the rise of communist and socialist labor organizations such as the PKP (Communist Party of the Philippines) and KMU (May First Movement). These groups gained support among workers but faced severe backlash from the government, including arrests and repression, especially during
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Authors Nicdao, Hans Alexander B
Journal Malay Journal
Year 2025
DOI
DOI not found
URL
https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etdb_history/37
Keywords Keywords not found

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