Line workers get maximum P2-M insurance under House bill

MANILA – The House of Representatives has approved on final reading two measures seeking to enhance the knowledge and working conditions of workers in the power utility industry.

With 225 affirmative votes, the chamber passed House Bill 9524, or the proposed Line Worker Insurance and Benefits Act which seeks to provide insurance coverage and additional benefits for line workers.

No one abstained or voted against the bill.

Under the bill, all line workers shall be entitled to life and accident or disability insurance benefits.

The minimum insurance coverage shall range from PHP200,000 to PHP1 million for distribution utilities, while the minimum insurance coverage for the transmission or grid operator shall be PHP2 million.

The insurance premium payments shall be shouldered entirely by the employer.

In addition to the mandated insurance coverage, the employers of line workers shall also ensure the provision of retirement benefits, mortuary assistance, disability benefits, reimbursement of actual medical expenses in cases of death, accident, sickness, disability, or injury sustained by the line worker in the line of duty.

Meanwhile, HB 9489 proposes to declare the first Monday of August every year as National Linemen Appreciation Day, in recognition of the efforts of utility line workers.

The bill also got 225 affirmative votes with zero nay votes and abstentions.

The bill acknowledges the role of the electrical line workers “in the quest for sustainable rural development through total electrification of the countryside and appreciates the contribution” of line workers in nation-building.

The National Electrification Administration shall conduct lecture sessions for linemen, such as, trainings and seminars to ensure the significance of the National Linemen Appreciation Day and its meaningful observance.

The bill also espouses the conduct of a national convention for linemen to further their knowledge on the latest trends concerning their profession which shall be conducted simultaneously on the date of the proposed declaration.