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KMU to DOLE: Unionization, regularization are best protection for contractuals

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“Unionization and regularization are the best protection for contractual workers.”

This was labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno’s reaction to news reports that the Department of Labor and Employment will “protect” contractual workers and will “pursue all-out effort” against the worst forms of contractualization through its Labor Enforcement and Action Program or Project LEAP.

In a press release in its website, DOLE announced that its “regional offices will look into the worst forms of contractualization, especially in the agriculture industry” through workplace inspections.

“Inspecting workplaces for violations of labor standards is still a far cry from actually protecting contractual workers. And the best way of protecting them is ending their contractual status, regularizing them and unionizing them. Sadly, the DOLE as an institution has always stood in the way of giving genuine protection to contractual workers,” said Elmer “Bong” Labog, KMU chairperson.

“In the first place, the DOLE and the government have promoted contractualization to further increase the profits of big local and foreign capitalists. Contractualization has meant the reduction of wages, lack of job security, and attacks on workers’ rights. It has weakened unions because contractuals can easily be fired from work for joining union activities – and legally,” added Labog.

KMU also criticized the DOLE for confining itself to the worst forms of contractualization and the agency’s rhetoric of protecting contractuals, saying these are ways of legitimizing an “illegitimate” form of employment.

“Contractual work by itself is one of the worst forms of employment in the country. Why focus then on its worst forms? The DOLE isn’t saying much and won’t be doing much in focusing on its worst forms. Contractualization as a form of employment should be stopped,” Labog said.

“Giving protection to contractual workers is legitimizing the illegitimate. Contractualization is essentially an attack on the right of workers and people to a living wage, to job security and to exercise trade-union rights. Any form of protection in that kind of employment status won’t be enough. Only unionization and regularization will protect contractuals,” Labog said.

Reference Person: 
Elmer "Bong" Labog, KMU chairperson
Contact information: 
0908-1636597

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#1 Dear KMU, please help me

Dear KMU, please help me send my request and be heard by the authority. Here is my letter.

August 30, 2010

Dear Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz & NLRC Chairman Nograles,

I am the Complainant in the case of Ryan B. dela Cruz –Versus- International Christian Academy, Melina Espino and Marivic Jacinto (NLRC RAB NO. NRC CASE No. NCR-03042688-10).

My case was filed on March 23, 2010 and until now it’s in the Honorable Office of Labor Arbiter Geobel A. Bartolabac who sets the entire schedule meeting and released order.

April 19 - 1st Hearing
April 27 - 2nd Hearing
May 19 - Position Paper
June 23 - Reply to the Position Paper

I am a teacher. This is not just my job. This is my life. When those people from the school where I served decided not to renew my contract and used the alleged significant decline in the enrollment I started to question them mostly clarification for the sake of truth and fairness and to really find out the root of our problems in school. But they do not really listen. As a teacher I know that I have an obligation not only to teach but to bring out the truth and live by morals of a good Christian and with pride and dignity. Our profession as a teacher is noble. I took care of my name in this profession for many years and I will not lose it and allowing anyone to destroy what I already build by their lies and shameful character. I am standing alone in fighting them in spite of my poverty in life.

And since they will not accept and entertain all my reasoning no matter to them how true and justifiable it is, I came up to the point that if all I wanted now is justice I forwarded a case hoping that what is really just and whole truth will come out and will satisfied us.

It’s almost five months now when I filed the case and within those months that pass in my life I really suffered a lot but I keep on holding my trust and faith in God that the day will come circumstances makes me stronger and the truth and justice will really prevail.

Today, all I want to ask is to give me the assurance that my case will not run so long more than a month from now. It’s only a plea your honor, my personal appeal or request to you. I followed all the orders, I submitted wholeheartedly to the rules and systems of our laws believing that this is now the best thing I can do to get what’s just and my rights.

Many times, parts of me want to die; physically, emotionally and mentally. I’m really getting tired of it. Because of this case, I’m still jobless. Honestly speaking, it’s not because I am not looking for a new job because I did look and try to find new one even for temporary but my pending case directly affect most of the application I’ve tried.
I’m the bread winner in the family. I’m living with my parents both are senior citizen. You will not know exactly the suffering we have been through after I lose my job but I keep my self strong even my heart cries many times seeing even my old parents how they also suffered from this because until now I can’t provide them of what they really need. Now while I’m not working we are all dependent to my sibling’s help, but until when???

I am really hoping and praying that this simple and humble request coming from me will be heard and will be given consideration. This is the only thing I can do because I have nothing and I really don’t know anymore if I can still survive the suffering that this case brought me and my family. Please bear with me. All I ask is your understanding.

Respectfully yours,

Ryan B. de la Cruz
Complainant

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