On March 6, 2024, a significant meeting took place at the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Office, where representatives from the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) visited CDA Region VIII to discuss the establishment of an Industrial Tripartite Council (ITC). The creation of this council aims to serve as a vital social dialogue mechanism, bringing together key stakeholders to address labor and industrial relations within cooperatives. The Industrial Tripartite Council will act as a consultative body, focusing on policymaking to improve existing processes, prioritize key labor-related initiatives, and address workplace concerns. One of its primary objectives is to facilitate the development of a grievance program, ensuring that cooperative members have access to a structured process for resolving conflicts between management and employees. Additionally, the ITC will contribute to strengthening labor-management cooperation, fostering industrial peace, and enhancing the overall business environment for cooperatives.

In this partnership, the CDA will take on a crucial role in coordinating efforts with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and its attached agencies to streamline the delivery of services for cooperatives. Through this collaboration, cooperatives will gain better access to programs and services that support labor relations, dispute resolution, and workplace harmony. At present, the NCMB has 49 active cooperatives enrolled in this program, demonstrating a strong commitment to advancing labor relations within the cooperative sector. The Sustainable Industrial Peace Association for Growth (SIPAG), which focuses on cooperatives in Region VIII, will play an instrumental role in this initiative by providing technical guidance and other essential services to member cooperatives. It will also promote and implement best practices in employee-management relations, solicit input and expertise from relevant stakeholders to address labor-related issues and concerns, and facilitate accessibility for both employees and management through bipartite and tripartite consultations, ensuring that cooperative members can actively participate in discussions affecting their workplaces. During the meeting, a key agreement was reached between the CDA and NCMB: both agencies committed to drafting and finalizing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). This MOA will formalize their collaboration, solidifying the tripartite partnership and strengthening their collective efforts to enhance cooperative labor relations.

The meeting was attended by prominent officials from both agencies. Representing the CDA were Regional Director Ms. Venus M. Jornales, Assistant Regional Director Maripaz M. Del Pilar, Atty. III Jasper M. Carias, and CDS II Irish Joy I. Adrales. The NCMB delegation included Mr. Papiniano O. Macayan III, Supervising Labor and Employment Officer (LEO), Mr. Hacelfeo T. Cuanes, Director II, and Ms. Mia Aenna Q. Perez, Administrative Aide.

This collaboration marks a significant step toward ensuring that cooperative members in Region VIII benefit from improved labor relations, effective conflict resolution mechanisms, and a more harmonious working environment. Through continued cooperation between the CDA, NCMB, and other labor-related agencies, the cooperative sector is expected to thrive, contributing to sustainable industrial peace and economic growth in the region.