During the times when there was no militant, progressive and patriotic union in the university, the administration could easily make decisions and implement policies without consulting the employees. In 1987, the ALL UP Workers Union was established in UP. Why 1987? Because that’s the year after the EDSA revolution happened. During martial law it was illegal to form unions, strike wasn’t allowed, and organizing was considered as a crime. All UP Workers is the first multi-sectoral union in UP because it includes different sectors of UP; the faculty, academic and administrative staff of the university. The union maintains its strength through strong solidarity with various sectors of UP, including students and the communities inside the university. It is not sectarian, it does not only fight for the interest of academics, but more than that, the academic union joins the fight against oppression and discrimination of various sectors inside and outside the university.
The union as a campaign center is critical on issues related to low wages, reduced economic benefits and privileges, job insecurity, contractualization and other forms of discrimination such as the arbitrary implementation of anti-worker policies in the university. In 1994, a certificate election was held. The certificate election is a process by which the employees of an institution vote who will be their negotiating representative of the rank and file employees. At that time, the university questioned why the faculty were included in the membership of the union, since some of them have administrative positions. But in the end, as a result of collective action and continuous organising, the academic sector was able to build a union of teachers and academic staff of the university. It is based on the view that being a union official is not a privilege, but an added responsibility. It is a voluntary act. Unionism in academia is hard work because you may face all kinds of challenges and temptations, such as being offered temporary power and positions instead of being a union member or leader.
To strengthen the newly established union in UP, we consulted with the Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE), the widest alliance of labor unions of government agencies in the Philippines. They provided us with reading materials and gave discussions regarding the role, importance, and organizational structure of unions in the public sector. The principles of being a militant, progressive, and patriotic union were articulated in forming our constitution and by laws.
“We commit ourselves to protect our rights and to advance our interests towards decent work, under conditions which enhance creativity, excellence, freedom, justice, dignity, security and equity without discrimination for all academic employees in the University. We fully realize that our effort to enhance the quality of our life forms part of the general movement to achieve a just and democratic social order, and a better standard of living for the Filipino people. We affirm our responsibility to contribute to the unity and wellbeing of all employees of the University of the Philippines and all disadvantaged members of Philippine society through espousing militant, progressive and nationalist unionism and strengthening linkages with progressive social movements.“
Principles and Objectives
Section 1
The UNION shall devote itself to the promotion and protection of the economic and democratic rights and the general welfare of faculty and REPS in the University. The UNION shall secure for its members the most just and reasonable terms of employment, and eliminate oppressive features of employment. To this end, it shall engage in collective negotiations and bargaining, and undertake concerted activities.
Section 2
Through appropriate education programs, the UNION shall provide the fullest opportunity for its members to enhance their social and political awareness, to the point that they become militant in the defense and advancement of their interests and rights in the University and in Philippine society in general.
Section 3
The UNION shall promote closer relationships and mutual understanding among its members and forge a strong alliance with the administrative sector of the University and the community at large, in order to achieve greater unity and to mutually work for the advancement of common interests and goals,
Section 4
The UNION shall continuously inform its members about critical public issues and shall undertake a united stand on these questions, in the interest of their collective concerns in common with the rest of the working people.
Section 5
The UNION shall establish close relations with other labor organizations, centers and cause-oriented groups which share the UNION’s principles and objectives, both national and international.
