TITLE IX SPECIAL PROVISIONS Article 288. Study of labor-management relations.

The Secretary of
Labor shall have the power and it shall be his duty to inquire into: a) the existing relations
between employers and employees in the Philippines; b) the growth of associations of employees
and the effect of such associations upon employer-employee relations; c) the extent and results of
the methods of collective bargaining in the determination of terms and conditions of employment;
d) the methods which have been tried by employers and associations of employees for
maintaining mutually satisfactory relations; e) desirable industrial practices which have been
developed through collective bargaining and other voluntary arrangements; f) the possible ways of
increasing the usefulness and efficiency of collective bargaining for settling differences; g) the
possibilities for the adoption of practical and effective methods of labor-management cooperation;
h) any other aspects of employer-employee relations concerning the promotion of harmony and
understanding between the parties; and i) the relevance of labor laws and labor relations to
national development. The Secretary of Labor shall also inquire into the causes of industrial
unrest and take all the necessary steps within his power as may be prescribed by law to alleviate
the same, and shall from time to time recommend the enactment of such remedial legislation as
in his judgment may be desirable for the maintenance and promotion of industrial peace. Article
289. Visitorial power. The Secretary of Labor and Employment or his duly authorized
representative is hereby empowered to inquire into the financial activities of legitimate labor
organizations upon the filing of a complaint under oath and duly supported by the written
consent of at least twenty percent (20%) of the total membership of the labor organization
concerned and to examine their books of accounts and other records to determine compliance or
noncompliance with the law and to prosecute any violations of the law and the union
constitution and by-laws: Provided, That such inquiry or examination shall not be conducted
during the sixty (60)-day freedom period nor within the thirty (30) days immediately preceding
the date of election of union officials. (As amended by Section 31, Republic Act No. 6715, March
21, 1989) Article 290. Tripartism, Tripartite Conferences, and Tripartite Industrial Peace Councils. (a)
Tripartism in labor relations is hereby declared a State policy. Towards this end, workers and
employers shall, as far as practicable, be represented in decision and policy-making bodies of the
government.