Philippines Again Among ‘10 Worst Countries for Workers’ — ITUC Global Rights Index 2025
By Inday Marisol | June 9, 2025
Ninth consecutive year, PH ranks among the world’s most dangerous places for labor rights
Manila, Philippines — The Philippines has once again been listed among the “10 Worst Countries for Workers”, according to the 2025 Global Rights Index released by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) on Friday, June 6.
This marks the ninth straight year the country has been included in the index, which highlights nations where workers’ rights are gravely violated. The Philippines received a rating of “5,” the second-lowest grade in the index, indicating “no guarantee of rights” for workers.
“Workers and unions in the Philippines exist in a daily struggle to exercise even the most basic rights in a venomous environment of endemic harassment, violence, and death,” the ITUC report stated.
Table of Contents
Ongoing labor rights violations
The ITUC pointed to continued threats faced by trade unionists and workers, including:
- Police harassment
- Red-tagging of union leaders and activists
- Lack of enforcement of labor protections
- Targeted violence against labor organizers
Despite existing labor laws, the report emphasizes that implementation remains weak and that violence and intimidation are routinely used against those organizing or speaking out.
Global context, local crisis
The Global Rights Index ranks 149 countries based on the level of protection afforded to workers, particularly in the areas of freedom of association, collective bargaining, and the right to strike.
The Philippines has remained in the bottom tier of the index since 2017, placing it alongside countries such as Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Egypt, all marked by systematic labor repression.
Call for accountability
Labor groups in the Philippines expressed frustration over the repeated inclusion in the list, calling on the government to address the root causes of labor insecurity.
“It’s not just about being on a list — this reflects real violence, fear, and injustice on the ground,” said Labor Rights Watch Philippines in a statement. “Our workers deserve safe spaces to organize and demand their rights.”
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has yet to respond to the 2025 report.
Sources
- ITUC Global Rights Index 2025
- Labor Rights Watch PH Statement
- Previous ITUC reports (2017–2024)
- Interviews with labor organizers in Metro Manila
Maria Sollen Castor, known as “Inday Marisol,” is a skilled and experienced content writer. Renowned for her engaging and authentic style, she crafts compelling content that connects with readers and resonates across platforms.