DOLE pries into firms’ labor law compliance

The Labor Department has set off inspections and assessments of companies in select industries to look into their compliance with labor laws and other existing legislations. (Photo: Ilagan City, Isabela/Facebook)

MANILA—The Labor Department has set off inspections and assessments of companies in select industries to look into their compliance with labor laws and other existing legislations.

Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III constituted Thursday a Special Assessment and Visit of Establishment (SAVE) team that will assess Philippine Airlines, PAL Express, and their contractors’ compliance with general labor standards, occupational safety and health standards, and other laws and social legislations.

In an administrative order, Bello formed the team chaired by Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC) Director Ma. Teresita Cucueco, with Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) Executive Director Noel Binag, National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) Executive Director Shirley Pascual, Bureau of Labor Relations (BLR) Director Benjo Benavidez, DOLE regional directors, and labor laws compliance officers as members.

Bello said the move sets in an industry-wide assessment to ensure our workers are enjoying their entitlements under existing labor laws, rules and regulations.

Other companies in the air transport industry are encouraged to voluntarily comply.

Bello said the special assessment is pursuant to Article 128 of the Labor Code, as amended, and Department Order No. 131-B, Series of 2016 or Revised Rules on Labor Laws Compliance System to ensure compliance with labor laws.

The Team shall conduct assessment at PAL and PAL Express’ corporate office, ticketing offices, cargo offices, airport offices, and other offices, including their contractors/service providers therein.

The BWC shall lead in the planning of the assessment activities and harmonize its conduct in the different regions. The BWC shall also provide technical assistance in assessing compliance with General Labor Standards and other related laws, rules and regulations, including compliance with existing contracting regulation.

“With this assignment, the BWC shall submit regular reports of the assessment activities and a terminal report of the SAVE activities to the Undersecretary for Labor Relations and Special Concerns,” Bello said in his order.

The OSHC shall provide technical assistance in assessing compliance with occupational safety and health standards and other related laws, rules and regulations.

The NCMB and the BLR, meanwhile, shall provide technical assistance during the assessment activities.

Pursuant to the A.O, the DOLE Regional Directors shall lead in the conduct of assessment activities at the regional level.

“The Regional Directors shall issue Authority to Assess to Labor Laws Compliance Officers (LLCO) and provide all necessary logistical and administrative support to fast track immediate resolution of cases that may arise during the assessment activities,” Bello added.

The PAL Employees’ Association (PALEA) shall participate in the assessment activities subject to the administrative supervision of the DOLE Regional Directors.

Prior to participation, PALEA members shall undergo orientation on the Revised Rules on Labor Laws Compliance System, General Labor Standards, Occupational Safety and Health Standards, and other related laws, rules and regulations.

The DOLE assessment team shall coordinate with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and concerned airport authorities to facilitate the conduct of the assessment activities.