Fixed wages for drivers endorsed

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Pro Tempore Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada yesterday said he is supporting the provision of fixed monthly salaries for bus drivers and conductors, noting that the new system upholds the rights of workers to decent wage conditions and promotes road safety for commuters.

Earlier, the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) signed a joint statement with transport sector representatives in an effort to address the increasing number of road accidents attributed to the low income being received by public utility bus drivers.

“Poor working conditions and unfair boundary or commission-based systems are at the root of the problems of accidents and heavy traffic,” said Estrada, who chairs the Senate committee on labor, employment and human resources.

Estrada pushed for the passage of Senate Bills 2922 and 2908, which requires public utility bus operators to pay their drivers fixed monthly salaries that is higher than the prevailing minimum wage.

The bill, called the “Bus Drivers and Conductors Compensation Act,” requires bus operators to observe eight-hour driving hours (inclusive of the rest period), a two-shift system, and one-hour rest per working day for drivers.

“Many accidents involve competing buses, each trying to outdo each other in getting more passengers. Sometimes, accidents are caused by tired and sleepy drivers who are forced to work for 16 to 20 hours a day,” he said.

A separate proposal, Senate Bill 2908, filed by the senator entitles public utility vehicle drivers to coverage and benefits from the Social Security System, PhilHealth, PAG-IBIG and Employees Compensation Commission (ECC).

The measure, he said, aims to raise the standard of living of drivers and their families and additional benefits and protection for them.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has recorded 4,325 bus accidents in Metro Manila or a daily average of 13 accidents involving buses in 2008. The number decreased in 2009 but was still pegged at 10 accidents per day, Estrada said. –HANNAH L. TORREGOZA, Manila Bulletin