FIVE of the biggest labor organizations in the Philippines on Thursday strongly urged the Senate to immediately pass the proposed law requiring the Social Security System (SSS) to increase the monthly pension of about 1.9 million retired workers by P2,000.
The call of Trade Union Congress of the Philippines-Nagkaisa (TUCP), Nagkaisa, Partido Manggagawa (PM), Federation of Free Workers (FFW), and Labor Party of the Philippines (LLP) was issued for the Senate to hasten the passage of the House Bill No. 5842 that was adopted and sponsored by Sen. Cynthia Villar on August 26.
Alan Tanjusay, spokesman of TUCP—Nagkaisa, said the approval must be immediate since the 1.9 million SSS pensioners badly needed the money to augment their budget for their monthly expenses on medicines, electricity, water, and so on.
Renato Magtubo, former congressman and now chairman of PM, said his group is strongly calling the attention of the senators to prioritize the proposed P2,000 increase on the SSS monthly pension since “there is no dramatic increase on the amount of pension that SSS pensioners have been receiving for a long period of time.”
Magtubo stressed that Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Neri Colmenares’ proposal was “timely [despite] the amount was small [because it] will surely help retirees/pensioners in their needs most specially their medical needs.”
Sonny Matula, a lawyer who chairs FFW, likewise pointed out that the SSS pensioners “badly needed” the P2,000 hike.
Tanjusay noted that even Nagkaisa (coalition of 90 percent of labor unions in the country) and LLP are in full support of the proposed SSS pension increase because it would benefit around 1.9 million retired workers from private firms.
On August 26, the Senate Committee on Government Corporations and Public Enterprises chaired by Sen. Villar cited HB 5842 in her sponsorship speech.
In the same day, Villar made the sponsorship on the Report No. 213 of the Committee on Government Corporations and Public Enterprises.
As she made the sponsorship, Villar said, “Kasi sa tinatanggap na monthly pension ng ating mga retiradong manggagawa na minimum of between P1,200 and P2,400, mabibilang sila sa mga Pilipinong living below the poverty line. In fact, kahit na dagdagan pa ang kanilang monthly pension ng P2,000 ayon sa ating rekomendasyon, hindi pa rin nila malalampasan ang poverty threshold. As such, they will still be labeled as poor… Ibig sabihin, matapos magtrabaho ang mga pribadong manggagawa ng 20 taon, kapag sila ay retirado na, marami sa kanila, na aasa na lang sa monthly pension nila, ay mamumuhay below the poverty line. Medyo nakakalungkot naman ang hahantungan ng mga empleyado sa ating bansa [The minimum monthly pension received by retired employees is between P1,200 and P2,400, and they would be classified as Filipinos living below the poverty line. In fact, even if we add P2,000 on their monthly pension, based on our recommendation, they still would be in the lines of poverty threshold. As such, they will still be labeled as poor… This means that after working for 20 years, when they retire, most of them would just depend on their monthly pension and they would be living below the poverty line. It’s saddening that this is the fate of retired workers in our country.”
After August 26, Villar’s committee has yet to make a follow-up action on the proposed law.
The proposed law specifically intends to amend Section 12 of Republic Act No. 1161, which states that workers who have 10 years of SSS monthly contribution will receive P1,200 monthly pension and those who have 20 years of SSS monthly contribution will get P2,400 monthly pension.
Unfortunately, reports have been floating to the media that the government agency could not afford to finance the P49 billion budget for the increase from year 2016 to 2042.
This led Rep. Colmenares to blow his top last week saying “the SSS [must] stop scaring the Senate from the P2,000 pension increase by claiming that Social Security System (SSS) has no funds for the increase.”
“SSS should stop trying to delude the people and the Senate that it has no funds for the P2,000 pension increase because this is not true. The SSS Board is tryng to sabotage the passage of the P2,000 pension increase, even if it has actually admitted several times that it has the funds for the pension increase. The increase will only shorten its fund life to 2029 instead of the current 2042,” Colmenares added. - by NELSON S. BADILLA REPORTER / The Manila Times
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Nat'l labor party seeks accreditation, bets woo it for support
The Labor Party of the Philippines plans to endorse and field national and local candidates for the 2016 polls once it is accredited
MANILA, Philippines – A labor-based national political party has sought accreditation from the election commission in what the group calls a historic first.
The Labor Party of the Philippines (LPP) on Tuesday, September 1, said it plans to endorse and field national and local candidates for the 2016 polls once it is accredited.
The LPP underwent an accreditation hearing before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) last August 25, Rappler learned.
Associated Labor Unions (ALU) Vice President Gerard Seno told Rappler the party will "support" a presidential candidate. LPP Chairman Alan Tanjusay said the presidential bet will be selected "after they make their candidacy official in October.”
LPP has been courted as early as February by “decent groups and highly respected individuals” for the support of certain national candidates, Tanjusay told Rappler.
The party was established by ALU in December 2014 as hopefully the country’s first union-based national political party.
Tanjusay said that LPP will partner with other grassroots, marginalized, business, and community-based groups to beef up the present 120,000 regular union members of ALU.
He said the party envisions “a dynamic economy, a just society, an open democracy and a healthy environment.”
LPP was formed out of “discontent, frustration, because no one is giving even small attention” to the issues of workers “who play a vital and strategic role in the country’s national daily affairs,” Tanjusay added.
ALU is a pioneering federation of labor unions registered with the labor department in April 1954.
What the labor sector wants
Unionists believe the country’s next leader must succeed where they believe past and present presidents have failed – ensuring Filipino laborers have a living wage enough to move out of poverty.
“Naghahanap pa kami ng pangulo na maninindigan at isusulong ang disenteng pamumuhay ng manggagawa at kanyang pamilya lalo sa sitwasyon ngayon na kung saan hindi nakikinabang ang nakararami sa pag-unlad ng ekonomiya,” trade unionist Renato Magtubo told Rappler.
(We are still looking for a president who will stand and push for decent living of workers and their families especially today when many do not benefit from economic progress.)
But according to Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, only 5 of the 98 minimum wage rates in the country remain below the poverty threshold – a feat, she said, that was achieved under President Benigno Aquino III from 2010 to June 2015.
Baldoz also said more workers received higher salaries under Aquino’s administration given the labor department’s two-tier wage system.
Labor leader Josua Mata described a pro-labor president as one who is “not afraid to go against the interests of the elites, pursue much-needed hard reforms like asset reforms and security of tenure for workers to address the scandalous inequality that we have.”
Contractual labor – seen to deprive workers of income stability and job security – comes at the forefront of issues the labor sector wants political leaders to prioritize. (READ: SONA 2015: The state of Philippine labor under Aquino)
Julius Cainglet of the Federation of Free Workers said the labor sector needs a leader who "will ensure that growth redounds" to "the working poor and those who work under precarious conditions such as contractualization, unsafe work places and receiving salaries below the minimum wage."
Cainglet said the next president must treat trade unions "as regular social dialogue partners" and "involve them in labor and economic policies."
The call comes amid waning interest in unionism and decreasing labor union density in the Philippines. (READ: Factory work and unionism). – Rappler.com Buena Bernal @buenabernal
 |
| WORKER. A Filipino fish port worker carries tuna before weighing it at the Fish Port in General Santos City, southern Philippines, on June 17, 2015. Photo by Ritchie B Tongo/EPA |
MANILA, Philippines – A labor-based national political party has sought accreditation from the election commission in what the group calls a historic first.
The Labor Party of the Philippines (LPP) on Tuesday, September 1, said it plans to endorse and field national and local candidates for the 2016 polls once it is accredited.
The LPP underwent an accreditation hearing before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) last August 25, Rappler learned.
Associated Labor Unions (ALU) Vice President Gerard Seno told Rappler the party will "support" a presidential candidate. LPP Chairman Alan Tanjusay said the presidential bet will be selected "after they make their candidacy official in October.”
LPP has been courted as early as February by “decent groups and highly respected individuals” for the support of certain national candidates, Tanjusay told Rappler.
The party was established by ALU in December 2014 as hopefully the country’s first union-based national political party.
Tanjusay said that LPP will partner with other grassroots, marginalized, business, and community-based groups to beef up the present 120,000 regular union members of ALU.
He said the party envisions “a dynamic economy, a just society, an open democracy and a healthy environment.”
LPP was formed out of “discontent, frustration, because no one is giving even small attention” to the issues of workers “who play a vital and strategic role in the country’s national daily affairs,” Tanjusay added.
ALU is a pioneering federation of labor unions registered with the labor department in April 1954.
 |
| LABOR PARTY. Party Chairman Alan Tanjusay shows the petition for national party accreditation filed before the Comelec. Photos from ALU |
What the labor sector wants
Unionists believe the country’s next leader must succeed where they believe past and present presidents have failed – ensuring Filipino laborers have a living wage enough to move out of poverty.
“Naghahanap pa kami ng pangulo na maninindigan at isusulong ang disenteng pamumuhay ng manggagawa at kanyang pamilya lalo sa sitwasyon ngayon na kung saan hindi nakikinabang ang nakararami sa pag-unlad ng ekonomiya,” trade unionist Renato Magtubo told Rappler.
(We are still looking for a president who will stand and push for decent living of workers and their families especially today when many do not benefit from economic progress.)
But according to Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, only 5 of the 98 minimum wage rates in the country remain below the poverty threshold – a feat, she said, that was achieved under President Benigno Aquino III from 2010 to June 2015.
Baldoz also said more workers received higher salaries under Aquino’s administration given the labor department’s two-tier wage system.
Labor leader Josua Mata described a pro-labor president as one who is “not afraid to go against the interests of the elites, pursue much-needed hard reforms like asset reforms and security of tenure for workers to address the scandalous inequality that we have.”
Contractual labor – seen to deprive workers of income stability and job security – comes at the forefront of issues the labor sector wants political leaders to prioritize. (READ: SONA 2015: The state of Philippine labor under Aquino)
Julius Cainglet of the Federation of Free Workers said the labor sector needs a leader who "will ensure that growth redounds" to "the working poor and those who work under precarious conditions such as contractualization, unsafe work places and receiving salaries below the minimum wage."
Cainglet said the next president must treat trade unions "as regular social dialogue partners" and "involve them in labor and economic policies."
The call comes amid waning interest in unionism and decreasing labor union density in the Philippines. (READ: Factory work and unionism). – Rappler.com Buena Bernal @buenabernal
New political party seeks Comelec accreditation
MANILA, Philippines - A newly formed national political party is now seeking accreditation from the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Officials of the Labor Party of the Philippines (LPP), a union-based political party formed by Associated Labor Unions (ALU), sat down with Comelec officials on August 25 regarding its accreditation.
"Unionized members from different industries who are the core members of the party intend to field and endorse national and local candidates including sectoral representatives in the forthcoming presidential elections on May 2016 who will espouse and promote our party platforms and programs," Alan Tanjusay, policy advocacy officer of the ALU and chairman of the LPP, said.
Established on December 2014, Tanjusay said the LPP aims to bring together members and supporters who share its values and principles to develop policies and to make communities stronger through collective action and support on issues relating to labor rights and labor standards.
Once LPP gets the accreditation, Tanjusay said party will expand its membership with various sectors of society including financial institutions, chambers of commerce, industry groups, peasant, women, fisherfolk, urban poor, indigenous peoples and the handicapped.
Registered as a labor federation at the Department of Labor and Employment in April 1954, the ALU is a pioneer aggrupation of unions in the country.
ALU manages various collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and render regular legal, dental and social service to its 120,000 land-based and sea-based regular members.
The LPP headquarters and regional offices are located at all ALU buildings and offices in nine regions. - By Dennis Carcamo (philstar.com)
Officials of the Labor Party of the Philippines (LPP), a union-based political party formed by Associated Labor Unions (ALU), sat down with Comelec officials on August 25 regarding its accreditation.
"Unionized members from different industries who are the core members of the party intend to field and endorse national and local candidates including sectoral representatives in the forthcoming presidential elections on May 2016 who will espouse and promote our party platforms and programs," Alan Tanjusay, policy advocacy officer of the ALU and chairman of the LPP, said.
Established on December 2014, Tanjusay said the LPP aims to bring together members and supporters who share its values and principles to develop policies and to make communities stronger through collective action and support on issues relating to labor rights and labor standards.
Once LPP gets the accreditation, Tanjusay said party will expand its membership with various sectors of society including financial institutions, chambers of commerce, industry groups, peasant, women, fisherfolk, urban poor, indigenous peoples and the handicapped.
Registered as a labor federation at the Department of Labor and Employment in April 1954, the ALU is a pioneer aggrupation of unions in the country.
ALU manages various collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and render regular legal, dental and social service to its 120,000 land-based and sea-based regular members.
The LPP headquarters and regional offices are located at all ALU buildings and offices in nine regions. - By Dennis Carcamo (philstar.com)
Friday, August 28, 2015
Traffic problems prompt labor group to seek 30-minute tardiness grace period
A LABOR group has asked for a 30-minute grace period for workers coming in late every day, in response to worsening traffic in Metro Manila, but an employers’ group warned that it could set a bad precedent among employees.
In a statement, the Partido Manggagawa (PM) appealed for consideration from business executives on worker tardiness.
“Since employers recognize that there is as yet no existing solution to this pressing issue, we demand that capitalists not punish workers who are late due to a problem that they have no control over,” PM National Chairperson Renato B. Magtubo said in a statement on Friday.
“Until traffic congestion is substantially reduced, such remedial steps must remain in place to protect workers.”
In particular, the group is asking employers for the following:
- a 30-minute grace period before being declared late for work;
- no warnings and salary cuts if late due to traffic;
- and a shuttle bus service for companies with at least 200 employees.
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP)-Nagkaisa faction also backed the grace period proposal.
“We ask government and employers to adjust tardiness and lateness rule on their employees and government workers to 30 more minutes maximum for the time being while there are no measures yet to address worsening traffic condition,” TUCP-Nagkaisa spokesperson Alan A. Tanjusay said via text.
While acknowledging the grueling traffic situation in the capital, an official of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) said it could set the wrong example for workers to follow.
“The proposal for mandatory grace period would be a disincentive to those who are punctual and efficient in their work and could promote a culture of habitual tardiness,” ECOP President Edgardo G. Lacson said in a text message.
Another ECOP official said a good alternative would be allowing flexible schedules for employees while more permanent solutions to road congestion are laid out.
“I am not too clear on the mechanics of the 30-minute grace period. But in actual practice, some offices have adopted varying schemes of the so-called flexi-time,” ECOP director-general Vicente Leogardo Jr. said separately.
“Also, employers may adopt a compressed work week, which is considered valid as long as the union or workers agree to it.”
Sought for comment, the Labor department said such arrangements can be better addressed through talks between employees and management instead of prescribing government rules.
“The issue can be the subject of consultation at the company level between workers and/or unions considering the circumstances and needs of both instead of mandating it by law,” Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz said in a text message.
“There are companies already under flexi-time arrangements and also those in IT sector, where they can produce their outputs without reporting physically for work.”
President Benigno S.C. Aquino III on Thursday said he plans to implement an odd-even scheme to further cut the volume of vehicles plying the local roads, but this was thumbed down by business leaders and transportation experts as a viable solution.
At present, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is implementing a car plate coding scheme during weekdays, which restricts some motorists from taking their cars out during rush hour once a week.
Asked what the workers’ recourse could be for the long commutes daily, Mr. Lacson said all must “sleep less at night and leave their residence before the break of dawn and pray for light traffic.”
“Levity aside, authorities must deploy traffic enforcers who are fully trained, coordinated, firm and fair, and dedicated to their duties, who will not abandon their posts at the first drop of rain or when lunch break comes.”
“Motorists and pedestrians must be disciplined to follow traffic rules by way of strict apprehension of violators. A culture of compliance to regulations will be inculturated if rules are enforced fairly, consistently, and sustainably.”
Mr. Leogardo, meanwhile, said there is still a long way to go to address the worsening Manila traffic, with gradual decongestion of the capital and putting up a “highly efficient” mass transport system.
In a statement, the Partido Manggagawa (PM) appealed for consideration from business executives on worker tardiness.
“Since employers recognize that there is as yet no existing solution to this pressing issue, we demand that capitalists not punish workers who are late due to a problem that they have no control over,” PM National Chairperson Renato B. Magtubo said in a statement on Friday.
“Until traffic congestion is substantially reduced, such remedial steps must remain in place to protect workers.”
In particular, the group is asking employers for the following:
- a 30-minute grace period before being declared late for work;
- no warnings and salary cuts if late due to traffic;
- and a shuttle bus service for companies with at least 200 employees.
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP)-Nagkaisa faction also backed the grace period proposal.
“We ask government and employers to adjust tardiness and lateness rule on their employees and government workers to 30 more minutes maximum for the time being while there are no measures yet to address worsening traffic condition,” TUCP-Nagkaisa spokesperson Alan A. Tanjusay said via text.
While acknowledging the grueling traffic situation in the capital, an official of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) said it could set the wrong example for workers to follow.
“The proposal for mandatory grace period would be a disincentive to those who are punctual and efficient in their work and could promote a culture of habitual tardiness,” ECOP President Edgardo G. Lacson said in a text message.
Another ECOP official said a good alternative would be allowing flexible schedules for employees while more permanent solutions to road congestion are laid out.
“I am not too clear on the mechanics of the 30-minute grace period. But in actual practice, some offices have adopted varying schemes of the so-called flexi-time,” ECOP director-general Vicente Leogardo Jr. said separately.
“Also, employers may adopt a compressed work week, which is considered valid as long as the union or workers agree to it.”
Sought for comment, the Labor department said such arrangements can be better addressed through talks between employees and management instead of prescribing government rules.
“The issue can be the subject of consultation at the company level between workers and/or unions considering the circumstances and needs of both instead of mandating it by law,” Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz said in a text message.
“There are companies already under flexi-time arrangements and also those in IT sector, where they can produce their outputs without reporting physically for work.”
President Benigno S.C. Aquino III on Thursday said he plans to implement an odd-even scheme to further cut the volume of vehicles plying the local roads, but this was thumbed down by business leaders and transportation experts as a viable solution.
At present, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is implementing a car plate coding scheme during weekdays, which restricts some motorists from taking their cars out during rush hour once a week.
Asked what the workers’ recourse could be for the long commutes daily, Mr. Lacson said all must “sleep less at night and leave their residence before the break of dawn and pray for light traffic.”
“Levity aside, authorities must deploy traffic enforcers who are fully trained, coordinated, firm and fair, and dedicated to their duties, who will not abandon their posts at the first drop of rain or when lunch break comes.”
“Motorists and pedestrians must be disciplined to follow traffic rules by way of strict apprehension of violators. A culture of compliance to regulations will be inculturated if rules are enforced fairly, consistently, and sustainably.”
Mr. Leogardo, meanwhile, said there is still a long way to go to address the worsening Manila traffic, with gradual decongestion of the capital and putting up a “highly efficient” mass transport system.
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