The number of complaints from workers reaching the Department of Labor and Employment in Dumaguete City this year, has doubled compared to last year.

Inspector Kenric Villaluz of DOLE yesterday said that from January to November this year, 35 complaints were received by the DOLE Dumaguete office, which is about 100 percent more, compared to 2008, covering the same period.

The complaints, affecting an estimated 150 workers, include underpayment of wages, non-payment of holiday pay, service incentive leave and 13 th month pay, and non-coverage of social services, such as SSS, Pag-ibig and PhilHealth.

Villaluz, who inspected 35 establishments in Negros Oriental, which he refused to identify on the basis of the complaints, said about half of the complaints this year, were settled amicably. The employers concerned agreed to give the benefits due their workers, while half of the employers opted to undergo the legal process, he added.

These establishments are mixed, in terms of size and kind of businesses, Villaluz also said.

The reason for the increase in labor complaint this year is that, workers now appear to be more aware and emboldened to assert their rights, Villaluz said.

He added that with the national and local media giving attention to labor issues, and the  constant educational  drive of the DOLE,  workers became more educated and empowered.*RA

back to top