WORKER’S PROTECTION: Tamang Batas para sa Pag-alaga sa Karapatan at Kaginhawaan ng Manggagawa

Thrust: Labor Laws that Protect Rights & Encourage Productivity
Action: Review laws and strengthen implementing regulations to ensure workers’ rights are safeguarded

Action On Worker’s Protection

1. STRENGTHEN PROTECTIVE MEASURES FOR OFWs IN RELEVANT LEGISLATION, PARTICULARLY IN SETTING A CAP FOR PLACEMENT FEES.

Promote the welfare of OFW’s especially in availing services and government support.

We will push to implement a policy that reduces the placement fees being charged by recruitment firms to overseas-bound Filipino workers. Demanding for a cap on remittance fees is likewise a priority of the office. Furthermore, we will push for an increase in government funding for OWWA’s legal assistance fund and ensure its quick and expeditious release when there is an immediate need by an OFW.

2. MANDATE MEASURES THAT ENSURE QUALITY WORKING ENVIRONMENT IN BPO COMPANIES.

Implement health and safety measures to ensure the well-being of BPO manpower

BPO employees have been found to suffer from hearing impairment and larynx damage. While local reports are anecdotal, similar research and reports have been published by the United Nations proving this. Hence, it is important to coordinate closely with DOLE and DOH to create a healthy work environment for BPO employees.

3. WORK FOR THE FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE KASAMBAHAY BILL.

The next step after the passage and signing into law of the Kasambahay Bill is to ensure that its implementation is done in accordance with the intent and spirit of the law.

As one of the principal authors of the Kasambahay Bill, we deem it important to ensure that the labor of maids and household help is recognized with proper compensation and benefits. This should mean that they will receive minimum wage, 13th month pay and non-financial benefits such as an eight-hour rest every day and a day-off every week. We are committed to these goals and objectives for the purpose of creating a regime of prosperity and lasting peace, for only then can the Filipino people find their rightful place in the community of industrialized nations.