DOLE probes anti - labor practices amid pandemic

SEVERAL business establishments in the city supposedly with labor law violations were looked into by the Department of Labor and Employment in the Cordillera Administrative Region (DOLE – CAR)

Baguio City earlier asked DOLE – CAR to look into the unfair labor practices by some establishment based on Resolution 225, series of 2018.

The resolution was crafted requesting DOLE – CAR to inspect, verify and correct violations of labor laws particularly on the minimum wage at several business establishments, mostly at the Central Business District (CBD).

As per report, various violations include underpayment of minimum wage, non-payment of regular holiday and special holiday pay, non-payment of rest day premium and overtime pay and nonmembership of workers with SSS, Pag-ibig, and Philhealth.

Ronie Guzman, DOLE - CAR regional director however said labor inspectors found difficulty in establishing employers as workers claim the businesses are familyowned, workplaces are rented and have no business permits.

Guzman thus suggested that matters as to the protection of workers’ rights in the city be handled by the appropriate committee in the City Council.

The City Council tracking team suggested that DOLE – CAR intensify their information campaign as to knowledge and awareness of city workers and employers of the Labour Standard Enforcement Framework conceptualized in 2004.

DOLE-CAR was also urged to enhance their inspectorate system to promote the welfare and interest of the workers in the city, and initiate consultation with the committee on employment, livelihood and cooperatives, and persons with disabilities for legislation to protect the interest and promote the welfare of city workers.