Labor Secretary's Great Breadth of Discretion

The powers granted to the Secretary under Article 263 (g) of the Labor Code have been characterized as an exercise of the police power of the State, aimed at promoting the public good. When the Secretary exercises these powers, he is granted "great breadth of discretion" to find a solution to a labor dispute. The most obvious of these powers is the automatic enjoining of an impending strike or lockout or its lifting if one has already taken place. (G.R. Nos. 169829-30; April 16, 2008)