Workers’ groups accept limited ban on contractualization

MANILA, Philippines — Workers no longer see the possibility of a total ban on all forms of job contractualization, but labor groups still expect President Duterte to issue a policy regulating short-term employment schemes.

“Labor groups have recognized the concern of President Duterte that it is quite impossible for an absolute ban on contractualization,” Associated Labor Union (ALU) spokesman Alan Tanjusay said yesterday.

He stressed that the draft executive order labor groups submitted for Duterte’s approval gave employers leeway to hire the services of contractual and seasonal workers on top of directly hired and regularized workers.?

“This position by labor groups is far different from its earlier absolute prohibition stance,” he pointed out.

Tanjusay said Malacañang’s statement that the total prohibition is not possible appeared to be just a way out for Duterte not to fulfill his commitment to end the problematic contractualization employment scheme.

Though the executive order Duterte is expected to issue soon may not entirely eliminate contractualization, Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) chair Elmer Labog said it will help reduce the illegal practice.

“It can more or less deter it. More importantly, it will serve as a signal or guide to lawmakers if such draft is favorable to workers,” Labog explained.

Contrary to the claim of Malacañang, Partido ng Manggagawa (PM) chair Renato Magtubo said the EO drafted by labor groups provides exemptions for jobs that by nature can be contracted out subject to the approval of the labor secretary.

Thus, Magtubo urged Duterte to sign the proposed EO and fulfill his campaign promise to put an end to illegal contractualization.

The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) said they will issue judgment after Duterte has signed the executive order.

“If he doesn’t sign one at all soon, he will completely lose the trust of labor,” the FFW said.

As this developed, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) yesterday reported that close to 900 workers in Calabarzon region will soon secure regular employment status.

DOLE said over 100,000 workers have been regularized nationwide since the government launched a campaign against illegal contractualization.