Members of the Arbitration Committee of the Ministry of Labor and Employment underwent a three-day capacity building on rules and procedures of the Arbitration Proceedings on July 15-17 at Em Manor Hotel and Convention Center in Cotabato City.

Under Section 13, Title IX of the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 13, also known as the Administrative Code of the Bangsamoro, vested the Arbitration Committee with the function to “decide on issues relating to labor disputes which cannot be resolved during the conduct of mediation and conciliation process.”

The three-day activity, which concluded today, July 17, was facilitated by Commissioner Atty. Abdul-Aziz U. Metmug of the National Labor Relations Commission to upskill the members of the committee on the complexity of arbitration proceedings.

Commissioner Metmug emphasized the significance of the training to ensure that members are well-versed in the rules and procedures, thereby improving their ability to effectively manage disputes, make sound decisions, and maintain the integrity and efficiency of the arbitration process.

Moreover, Metmug shared some of his experiences and best practices in facilitating dispute resolutions during his time as Executive Labor Arbiter at the Regional Arbitration Branch X in Cagayan de Oro City.

On the other hand, Labor Minister Muslimin G. Sema, who expressed optimism about the new set of committees, was hopeful for a more positive outcome from these efforts. He was also hoping to assist more Bangsamoro workers in providing just and fair dispute resolutions.

“As the saying goes, a healthy employment is a wealthy establishment. Let us be their gateway to a more peaceful and harmonious relationship within their workplace,” Minister Sema said.

To conclude, Minister Sema extended his sincerest gratitude to Atty. Metmug for his invaluable inputs and continuous support to the endeavors of the ministry, especially in upholding equitable employee-employer relations and promoting industrial peace in the region.