THE Philippines’ labor department will continue to support its $400 minimum pay rates for Filipino domestic workers in Saudi Arabia despite an employment ban in the Kingdom.
“Yes (we will stand pat on it). Una, hindi naman sa Saudi lang applicable yan e. All countries employing HSWs [household service workers] are following that,” said Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) spokesperson Nicon Fameronag in a phone interview Monday.
“We are prepared to deal with it. We remain firm on this policy in protecting our OFWs,” he added.
A minimum wage of $400 remains a standing policy of the Philippines for its domestic helpers since 2006 as indicated in a resolution of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).
“(The policies) is in response to the situation concerning the employment of HSWs and also dealt with the increase in the minimum age of workers, among others, hindi lang sa wages,” said the labor official.
Last Saturday, Saudi Arabia has suspended the processing, verification, and authentication of employment contracts of Filipino HSWs, citing the steep pay rates set by the government.
At the same time, Fameronag questioned claims that the agency is downplaying consequences of the Saudi ban, saying it remains anxious over its effects on workers and remittances.
Besides offering re-training programs, the agency will also provide livelihood packages, as well as possible redeployment to other countries.
Some 11,000 HSWs were deployed in Saudi last year, a far cry from the 3,000 hired during the first six months of the year.
Overall, there are some 1.2 million OFWs in KSA. (AMN/Sunnex)
September 18 –
International Equal Pay Day
“Increase wages now,
more than other cost items.
For widespread, practical equality!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO Constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar
to carry out the recommendations of the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry
against serious violations of protocols of
Forced Labour and Freedom of Association.
Accept the National Unity Government (NUG)
of Myanmar. Reject Military!
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September –
5 Sept – Intl Day of Charity
7 Sept – Intl Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies
8 Sept – International Literacy Day
12 Sept – United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation
15 Sept – International Day of Democracy
16 Sept – International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
17 Sept – World Patient Safety Day
18 Sept – International Equal Pay Day
21 Sept – International Day of Peace
26 Sept – International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons
27 Sept – World Tourism Day
28 Sept – International Day for Universal Access to Information
29 Sept – International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste
30 Sept – World Maritime Day
Monthly Observances:
Health, Safety and Sanitation Month
National Clean-up Month
Civil Service Month
National Peace Consciousness Month
Social Security Month
Rule of Law Month
National Teachers’ Month (Sept 5-Oct 4)
Weekly Observances:
Sept 17 – 23:
World Clean and Green Week
Week 2: Education Week
Week 4: Medicine Week
Last Week: National Family Week
Daily Observances:
Third Saturday:
International Coastal Clean-up Day
Third Monday: World Health Day
Last Friday: National Maritime Day
Sept 8: National Literacy Day
Sept 15: Philippine Medicine Day
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