Complaints of unpaid wages, benefits on the rise in Negros

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — The number of complaints filed by workers here regarding pay and other forms of compensation in 2009 more than doubled compared to last year, an official of the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) local office said.

DOLE Inspector Kenric Villaluz said the DOLE office received complaints against 35 establishments in the first 11 months this year, more than double the 17 complaints received in 2008 in the same period.

The complaints, affecting an estimated 150 workers, include underpayment of wages, non-payment of holiday pay, non-payment of service incentive leave and 13th month pay and non-coverage of social services, such as Social Security System, Home Mutual Development Fund or Pag-ibig and the Philippine Health Insurance Corp., Villaluz said.

Based on the complaints, Villaluz said he conducted inspections on the 35 establishments in Negros Oriental, which he refused to identify saying only that these were engaged in various types of businesses.

He added that about one-half of the complaints were settled amicably, with the employers concerned agreeing to give the benefits to their workers.

The other half opted to have the complaints settled through the legal process.

When asked about the reason for the increase in labor complaints, Villaluz said workers are now more assertive of their rights. –Romy G. Amarado, Inquirer Visayas