Valenzuela fire inspection to affect 12,000 workers

Closure of several business establishments that are not complying with fire safety laws in Valenzuela City will displace at least 12,000 workers, according to a labor group. 

MANILA, Philippines - At least 12,000 workers will be affected by the closure of business establishments in Valenzuela City, labor coalition Trade Union Congress of the Philippines-Nagkaisa (TUCP-Nagkaisa) said on Friday.

Alan Tanjusay, the group's national spokesperson, said that the number could balloon if Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian would continue with his plan to shut down businesses that failed to comply with fire safety requirements.

"Rather than immediate closure, we suggest that erring and non-compliant companies should be given at least 10 days to correct themselves. Unless, Mayor Gatchalian does have immediate alternative plans to provide jobs to those thousands of workers who might be affected by his closure plan and prevent a massive problem, we recommend that he be rational at this time," Tanjusay said.

He said Gatchalian should devote local government resources to enforcing existing fire safety laws and ensure labor standards are being faithfully observed by companies within the city.

Tanjusay said labor coalition Nagkaisa have forged an agreement with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to inspect and assess all factories in Valenzuela.

He said Nagkaisa, with TUCP as one of the 49 convenors, will make comprehensive recommendations in reforming the enforcement and compliance to the Labor Law Compliance System being implemented by DOLE.

The launching of the joint inspection will be announced later.

The city government has intensified its inspection on business establishments after the May 13 fire that razed a slippers factory, killing 72 persons. - By Dennis Carcamo (philstar.com)