ILO: 2.8-M workers in service sector affected by ‘Yolanda’

MANILA, Philippines – Most of the workers affected by typhoon “Yolanda” in the Visayas are from the service sector, the International Labour Organization (ILO) said on Thursday.

ILO said of the 5.6 million workers who either temporarily or permanently lost their livelihoods, an estimated 2.8 million were working in the service industry.

ILO Philippine Office Director Lawrence Jeff Johnson said the service sector includes people working in shops, public markets, restaurants, vendors, tricycle and jeepney drivers, mechanics, clerks and teachers.

Johnson said these workers, like farmers and fisherfolks, “have seen their source of income wiped away.”

“At least 2.4 million affected workers were already in a vulnerable situation before the typhoon struck, often living at or under the poverty line, doing whatever work they could find to survive and provide for their families. These people have lost the little they had to begin with. They have no home, no income, no savings and no one to turn to for help,” said Johnson.

Around 1.8 million workers were in agriculture and around 15 percent were in the industry sector.

Johnson said the top priority now is to ensure that the affected workers have access to employment being paid at least the minimum wage, with social protection and safe working conditions.

The ILO is working with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and other groups in implementing emergency employment programs to address reconstruction and livelihoods needs.

“These programs comply with Philippine regulation and international labor standards, ensuring that people are not exploited while they help to rebuild their communities and local economies,” Johnson said.

Workers under the emergency employment programs are employed for a minimum of 15 days and are provided with minimum wage and social protection benefits.

“This is a very first step to jump start the economy and quickly put the affected communities back in the driver’s seat in rebuilding their lives. Ensuring minimum wage and social protection will help stimulate economic growth and speed the recovery process.” Johnson said. –ABS-CBNnews.com