50% of PHL kasambahay are not given 13th month pay

Published November 3, 2016 10:42pm

A labor group reported that 50 percent of domestic workers are not given the thirteen month pay due them by their employers.

Based on the monitoring of the United Domestic Workers of the Philippines, half of more than two million workers have no thirteen month pay, GMA News’ Steve Dailisan reported for “24 Oras” on Thursday.

Under the Republic Act 10361, the Domestic Workers Act or the Batas Kasambahay, the domestic worker is entitled to a thirteen month pay, which is equivalent to a month’s salary. The computation is based on the number of months of work rendered in the household.

Although there are some helpers who receive a bonus, this is not equivalent to one month’s worth of wages.

“Halimbawa P3,000 ang sweldo, binigay P1,000…kaya nakikipag-dialogue kami sa mga homeowners. Sa mga nagtatrabaho, kapareho niyo rin po kami,” said Ate May, United Domestic Workers of the Philippines deputy general.

Ana, not her real name, said she has not received a thirteen month bonus during her 14 years she was employed as a domestic worker.

According to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), an employer’s failure to give a thirteen month pay is a violation of labor standards.

“Haharap sila sa mga administrative na kaso. Merong mga fines, pero hindi masyado ganun kalaki,” DOLE Undersecretary Jo Maglunsod said.

Maglunsod also appealed to employers in Regions I and II, which were hit by Typhoon Lawin, to give domestic workers their thirteen month pay before November 15.

“Dapat makonsidera ito, itong apela na at least ma-advance para magamit ng mga manggagawa natin doon,” he said.

He added that domestic workers and private sector employees may call DOLE’s hotline 1349 or directly to the President’s Office thru 8888 to complaint about non-compliant employers. — BAP, GMA News

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