The Ecumenical Institute for Labor Education and Research (EILER) is a nonprofit, non-governmental labor organization in the Philippines, formally established in 1981. For more than four decades now, EILER continues to expand its network to new trade unions, independent labor associations, and grassroots organizations. EILER strives to contribute in strengthening the capacity of workers’ groups through promoting the dignity of work and freedom of association. Our services include labor research, knowledge sharing, and training of labor educators and union organizers. In the 1980’s, the institution led in mass education and course development for workers with its banner course, Genuine Trade Unionism (GTU).
EILER’s vision is for a just and sustainable society where human labor is equitably rewarded, and social justice and the dignity of work is upheld.
EILER’s mission to actively promote the dignity of work and workers’ empowerment grounded on an independent advocacy for living wages, freedom of association, decent jobs and workers’ democratic rights. We achieve this through engaging in labor education, action research, capacity building, campaigns and advocacy work.
EILER’s institutionalgoal is to be a key resource and advocacy center for workers, networked strongly with other pro-worker institutions, labor rights advocates and grassroots organizations in the Asia-Pacific and other regions in the world. The institution has published multimedia materials and produced documentaries on the plight of the Filipino workers. EILER keeps a vast and unique collection of labor-related literature, and is committed to making its resources and collection available to the community with the support of Philippine Labor Movement Archive.
