Labor sector to candidates: Present clear agenda to end contractualization

The labor sector called on national candidates to present a clear agenda to address contractualization in the private and public sectors during the Forum to Address Precarious Work at Rembrandt Hotel in Quezon City. (Photo from the National Anti-Poverty Commission‘s website)

MANILA – On Labor Day, the National Anti-Poverty Commission’s Formal Labor and Migrant Workers (NAPC-FLMW) Sectoral Council asked the candidates to present a clear agenda on how they will end contractualization.

During the last presidential debates, all presidential candidates said they were not in favor of contractualization but did not bare their plans on how they would exactly address the issue.

“Top-most in our agenda is the eradication of contractualization and the passage of the Security of Tenure Bill which has been languishing in both houses of congress for such a long time,” said Edwin Bustillos, Sectoral Representative of the NAPC-FLMW.

While contractualization is illegal under Philippine laws, many companies still hire temporary workers who receive less or no social protection and benefits at all.

“There is a loophole in our labor laws, which is why many companies have been able to get away with legal charges. We need to map out strategies on how to address the continuously eroding job security of government and private sector employees,” Bustillos said.

“The passage of the Security of Tenure Bill should be accompanied by a clear agro-industrial policy,” Bustillos added, “rural development and growth of manufacturing sector that will provide sustained jobs for our people.

”