The 31st National Conference of Employers, the biggest annual gathering from management sector, Tuesday passed three resolutions calling for reforms in labor market policies, labor justice administration, and governance.

On labor market policies, the 31st NCE has listed as priority a review of the Labor Code of the Philippines, which was passed in 1974, saying it has been outpaced by the changes in the world of business and trade.

“The archaic and counter-productive provisions of the Labor Code continue to hamper the growth and economic development of the country,” part of the resolution reads.

Among the salient points for review is the provision on contracting and subcontracting particularly Articles 106 to 109 of the Labor Code and the Department Order No. 18-02, recognizing the need for a more dynamic and flexible work arrangement in support of the most promising business process outsourcing sector.

The NCE also called for the repeal of the policy on night work prohibition for women under Article 130 of the Labor Code, as well as renouncing the Philippine ratification of ILO Convention No. 89, bearing in mind the important role that women play in nation building as well as the growth and development of the economy.

The NCE also wants a review of the law and policy on wage fixing and determination under Article 100 of the Labor ode, realizing that employers must be given the flexibility and leeway to adjust wages especially in times of economic difficulty.

The employers said it is their “prerogative to consult with their own workers on the need to realign compensation and other benefits in order to remain resilient, operation and prevent job losses, and in essence promoting the rights and freedom of employers and workers to freely negotiate the terms and conditions of employment.”

Employers also pushed for a mechanism that will address and resolve backlogs in the National Labor Relations Commission at the soonest time possible. Other alternative modes of labor dispute resolution including conciliation, mediation, and voluntary arbitration should be promoted and enhanced.