The right to self-organization is the government employees’ right to form, join or assist unions, organizations or associations for purposes of collective negotiation and for mutual aid and protection; to engage in peaceful concerted activities; and to participate in policy and decision-making processes affecting their rights and benefits.
It is a constitutional right provided in Article III, Section 8 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution which states that the right of the people, including those employed in the public and private sectors, to form unions, associations, or societies for purposes not contrary to law shall not be abridged. The Administrative Code of 1987 provides that all government employees can form, join or assist employees’ organizations of their own choosing for the furtherance and protection of their interests.
This is the process by which an employees’ organization, after submitting required documents obtains a registration certificate from the Department of Labor and Employment and the Civil Service Commission and acquire legal personality under Executive Order No. 180.
This is the process where a registered Public Sector Employees’ Organization (PSEO) becomes the sole and exclusive negotiating agent (SENA).
CNA is the negotiated contract between Sole and Exclusive Negotiating Agent (SENA) or an accredited public sector employees organization (PSEO) and the employer/management regarding employment terms, conditions, and improvements not fixed by law (Section 1, Rule I, 2024 IRR of E.O. No. 180).
Why should a CNA be registered?
The CNA should be registered for the following reasons:
Registration is required before a CNA can take effect. (Section 12, Rule XIV, 2024 Rules of EO No. 180)
It is a condition for the grant of CNA incentives. (DBM Guidelines 2023-1 dated November 10, 2023)
The registration of the CNA is a condition precedent before the PSLMC can take cognizance of cases of Unfair Labor Practices involving violations of CNA provisions. (PSLMC Resolution dated October 25, 2011 – Non-Registration of Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA); Its Effect.
