America’s biggest union federation recognizes PH labor movement with human rights award

The 2023 Meany-Kirkland Human Rights Award shines a spotlight on brave Filipino workers | Photo by Beth Macdonald on Unsplash

The Philippine labor movement, which includes the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), just scored a major distinction that’s got the whole Filipino and Filipino-American community proud.

Presented by the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), the 2023 Meany-Kirkland Human Rights Award shines a spotlight on the brave Filipino workers and their fight for freedom of association and right to organize.

“Amidst the dangerous reality, the Philippine labor movement continues to organize, build power, and fight for the rights of workers across their country. In the face of threats to their own lives, our union brothers, sisters, and siblings in the Philippines continue to garner global support for their campaign of resistance. In their unrelenting fight for freedoms, the Philippine labor movement is also helping to resist the rollback of democratic values being carried out by tyrannical governments around the world,” reads the AFL-CIO statement.

What the George Meany-Lane Kirkland Human Rights Award entails

The honorary award, named after the first two presidents of AFL-CIO, has a long tradition of recognizing remarkable contributions to human rights advocacy through trade unions.

And it is no small recognition either with its lineup of previous recipients: Brazilian president Luiz Inácio “Lula” da Silva, former UN Special Rapporteur Maina Kiai, and former president of Poland Lech Wałęsa.

“With the George Meany–Lane Kirkland Human Rights Award, the AFL-CIO recognizes the Philippine labor movement for its dedication and courage,” the statement continues. “We are committed to supporting our Filipino partners toward and beyond the day when workers and their unions in the Philippines can exercise their rights free of threats and intimidation.”

In January 2023, the International Labour Organization High-Level Tripartite Mission issued recommendations to address the anti-union violence, political profiling, impunity, and lack of progress in upholding labor rights and standards in the Philippines.

You may also like: Fil-Am educator and author is one of Wisconsin’s most influential Asian American leaders

After all, improving labor rights isn’t just good for workers, it’s also beneficial for the economy. Ensuring worker rights, better working conditions, fair pay and standards can boost productivity, which all impact economic growth.

At the end of the day, this award is no ordinary trophy—it is a symbol of strength, determination, and unity for everyone in the Philippine labor movement.