THE Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) accused Monday members of the Cabinet of misguiding President Rodrigo Duterte on how to properly address the issue of contractualization.
According to TUCP Vice President Luis Corral, they are wary that the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) is misleading Duterte on how to make true to his campaign promise of eliminating all forms of contractualization.
"The real problem is the Dole as they are speaking for... they are putting words in the mouth of the President. Mukhang nililihis nila yung usapin," said Corral.
The labor leader said it is simply questionable why Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III "is not following the directive" of Duterte.
He added that “neoliberal” Cabinet members, namely Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernest Pernia, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez, and Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez are taking advantage of Duterte’s lack of complete understanding of the contractualization issue to sway the latter’s position.
“May pakiwari kami na kulang ang pagkakaintindi ng Pangulo doon sa contractualization dahil hindi naman siya labor lawyer by profession. At nilalayo siya ng tatlong neoliberal doon sa tamang landas,” said Corral.
To recall, President Rodrigo Duterte had vowed to put an end to labor contractualization practices during his administration.
Amid accusations made by the TUCP, Bello called on the labor sector to agree to the “middle ground” proposal for contractualization, wherein only illegitimate contractualization schemes are prohibited.
“While the Department is keen on curbing illegitimate contractualization or ‘endo’ practices as directed by the President, we recognize that there are legitimate forms of contracting and thus may be allowed particularly in seasonal and project employment,” said the Labor chief in a statement.
“I urge labor groups to work hand-in-hand with the current Administration in identifying plans, policies and platform of engagement in the next medium term,” he furthered.
Earlier, Bello had already raised the “middle ground” proposal, wherein some types of contractual work schemes, such as project-based and seasonal work arrangements, will be allowed.
Essentially, the “middle ground” is a reiteration of the controversial Department Order 18-A (DO 18-A) of the DOLE. - (HDT/Sunnex)
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