American and other foreign investors are bothered by reports of widespread labor standard violations in the Philippines and may pull out their capital from the country, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) warned yesterday.
TUCP said the California Public Employees Retirement System (Calpers), one of the country’s top investors, is worried over reports of labor violations in the country.
Calpers previously commissioned a study, which indicated widespread violations in the Philippines.
Even data from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) showed that some 40 percent of firms inspected by the department violate standards, ranging from non-compliance with the minimum wage law and occupational safety and health regulations to non-payment of SSS and Pag-IBIG premiums.
While admitting that the weakness in enforcement of labor standards is partly due to the DOLE’s lack of inspection personnel, TUCP president Democrito Mendoza said the problem must be addressed.
Mendoza pointed out that many foreign investors are now putting a premium on compliance to labor standards in choosing investment destinations. Thus, there is the need to strengthen the enforcement of such regulations.
“It is essential to address such concerns to ensure the steady flow of capital into the country and to generate jobs for the over 35 million-strong labor force,” he explained.
“We may wake up one day to find that these investors have pulled out their money from the Philippines because we are unable to enforce our own labor standards,” Mendoza added.
TUCP then called on new Labor Secretary Arturo Brion to tap employers’ groups and trade unions to help in labor standards inspection and enforcement.
“The DOLE direly needs assistance in inspecting the country’s close to a million registered business establishments and we strongly recommend to Secretary Brion to mobilize employers to police their ranks and to allow trade union leaders to help in the inspection and advocacy for compliance on labor regulations,” Mendoza said. — Mayen Jaymalin, Philippine Star
It’s women’s month!
“Support women every day of the year!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar to carry out the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry recommendations against serious violations of Forced Labour and Freedom of Association protocols.
Accept National Unity Government
(NUG) of Myanmar.
Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands #Distancing #TakePicturesVideos
Monthly Observances:
Women’s Role in History Month
Weekly Observances:
Week 1: Environmental Week
Women’s Week
Week 3: Philippine Industry and Made-in-the-Philippines
Products Week
Last Week: Protection and Gender-Fair Treatment
of the Girl Child Week
Daily Observances:
March 8: Women’s Rights and
International Peace Day;
National Women’s Day
Mar 4— Employee Appreciation Day
Mar 15 — World Consumer Rights Day
Mar 18 — Global Recycling Day
Mar 21 — International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Mar 23 — International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims
Mar 25 — International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
Mar 27 — Earth Hour
