In a significant victory for workers' rights in the digital age, a Philippine labor court has ordered logistics giant Ninja Van to reinstate over a hundred riders it had previously dismissed. The decision, celebrated by labor groups, underscores the ongoing struggle for fair treatment in the country's growing platform economy.
Court Finds Dismissals Unlawful and Retaliatory
The fifth division of the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) issued its ruling on December 19, 2025. The commission found that Ninja Van's claim that the 131 riders had abandoned their jobs (AWOL) was contradicted by the company's own records. More critically, the NLRC determined that the management engaged in unfair labor practices.
The court stated that the riders were let go in retaliation for their union activities and were subsequently replaced by individuals classified as "independent contractors." This tactic, the ruling suggests, was an attempt to undermine collective bargaining efforts.
A Blow Against "Constructive Dismissal" Tactics
The NLRC also addressed the company's use of a Riders Performance Evaluation (RPE) system. The court viewed the implementation of this evaluation as a pretext for the constructive dismissal of workers involved in unionization efforts with the Ninja Van Workers Union (NVWU).
This part of the decision highlights a common challenge in the platform industry: companies using legitimate-sounding operational changes to justify removing employees who organize for their rights. The NLRC explicitly warned management against interfering with workers' legal efforts to form unions.
A Precedent for Platform Workers' Rights
The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR), along with the Federation of Free Workers (FFW) and the Ninja Van Workers Union (NVWU), hailed the decision as a major step forward. It reinforces two fundamental rights: security of tenure and freedom of association.
This case sheds light on the practice of misclassifying employees as "independent contractors" to avoid granting them full labor rights and benefits. The victory is seen as a rallying cry for other workers in app-based and platform-driven jobs across the Philippines.
Labor advocates are now looking ahead to June 2026, when the International Labour Organization (ILO) is expected to release a new convention and recommendation aimed at ensuring decent work in the platform economy globally. The message is clear: technological innovation does not erase the basic rights of workers.
