ABS-CBN ‘surprised’ with DOLE ruling, claims ‘lack’ of network consultations

MANILA, Philippines – ABS-CBN was surprised with the mandate released by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regarding the 8 to 12 working hours for TV and movie productions.

In the statement released on Tuesday, the network clarified that they are “not against improving the working conditions of everyone in the industry.”

They even noted that the network “has always championed and supported any development, whether initiated by the Department of Labor and Employment or not, that ensures the health and well-being of its workers and talents.”

However, they claimed that the agency didn’t consult with them the new rule covering TV and movie production workers.

Last week, the department has issued an advisory which requires networks and other film production companies to limit the working hours of TV and movie production staff from 8 to 12 hours per day.

READ: DOLE pushes 8-hour work limit for TV, film production

On the network’s statement, they narrated that the department has called for a meeting with them on April 26, the same day the advisory was released.

“The day that the DOLE issued the advisory was the same day (April 26) it hurriedly met with broadcast management representatives – a meeting attended only by ABS-CBN – to request data that would help them understand the TV industry,” the statement said.

It added that “in that same meeting, DOLE announced it would conduct site visits in the first week of May and draft a Department Order in the second week of May - which would then be presented to industry stakeholders for comment.”

Since the network believes that the ruling still needs further consultations with different networks, “ABS-CBN is constrained to seek a temporary restraining order from the Regional Trial Courts of Quezon City.”

The network also noted that for a “meaningful change” in the industry to happen “[it] must factor in the ideas and opinions of stakeholders and field experts for it to protect both the welfare of our workers and the sustainability of the industry.”