Short answer. The Labor Code's declaration of basic policy guarantees every worker four core rights: self-organization, collective bargaining, security of tenure, and just and humane conditions of work. The State is also directed to promote full employment and ensure equal work opportunities regardless of sex, race, or creed.
What the law says
The State shall assure the rights of workers to self-organization, collective bargaining, security of tenure, and just and humane conditions of work.
Labor Code, Article 3 — Basic Policy Of The State. Read the full provision →
The four rights the Labor Code assures
Article 3 of the Labor Code — its declaration of basic state policy — lists four rights the State is bound to assure for every worker: self-organization, collective bargaining, security of tenure, and just and humane conditions of work. These are not aspirations. They are the floor on which all other labor legislation rests, and they apply regardless of industry, sector, or employment arrangement unless a specific provision creates a lawful exception.
What each right means
Self-organization is the right to form, join, or assist a labor organization — a union, a federation, or an independent employee association — without interference from the employer. Collective bargaining is the right of employees, through their chosen representative, to negotiate with the employer over wages, hours, and working conditions. Security of tenure means an employee cannot be dismissed without just or authorized cause and due process. Just and humane conditions of work covers hours, rest periods, safe working environments, and treatment that preserves the dignity of the worker.
Equal opportunity and full employment
Article 3 pairs the four worker rights with two broader state duties. First, the State must promote full employment — meaning policy choices in labor regulation should aim to expand, not shrink, the number of people with decent work. Second, the State must ensure equal work opportunities regardless of sex, race or creed. These are the constitutional commitments behind the anti-discrimination provisions elsewhere in the Code and in related legislation.
A note on article numbering
The Labor Code has been administratively renumbered, so the same provision is sometimes cited under a different number in court decisions and legal commentaries. The Supreme Court typically writes both numbers in the form 'Article [new] [original]' to avoid confusion. The text published on this site follows the original numbering used in both primary sources. When checking a court decision that cites a different number for this provision, verify which edition of the numbering it follows.
Why this provision matters to you
Article 3 is frequently invoked when an employer takes action that undermines any of the four guaranteed rights — dismissing an employee for joining a union, refusing to bargain in good faith, or imposing working conditions below the legal minimum. Because Article 3 is the Code's statement of policy, it guides how specific provisions are interpreted. When a rule is ambiguous, it is read in a way that advances these protections rather than diminishes them. If you believe an employer's action has violated any of these rights, a lawyer can assess your situation against the specific provisions that give them concrete effect.