ACT urges payment of May 13 overtime pay

MANILA, Philippines — The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) has asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to provide additional compensation to teachers who were forced to render extended election service due to transmission problems.

In a letter submitted to the poll body on Friday, the organization sought a dialogue with Comelec officials to discuss their request for additional pay.

The organization said they estimate that over 10,000 teacher-poll workers rendered more than 24 hours of continuous service since May 13.

“Teachers had no choice but to stay with the VCMs (vote counting machines) as votes could not be counted and results could not be transmitted without functional SD (secure digital) cards, even if it meant staying at the precincts for two, three days straight. They more than deserve to be given additional compensation at overtime rates,” ACT secretary general Raymond Basilio said.

ACT said these teachers had to sacrifice the remaining days of their vacation as a consequence of technical issues.

It said the teachers would no longer have enough time to recuperate as next week marks the beginning of Brigada Eskwela, followed by in-service training for teachers and the school opening.

“They were denied time which should have been spent with family and for a much-needed rest. The unprecedented overtime resulted in the loss of opportunity to look for other sources of income to make ends meet,” Basilio said.

“Honest labor should be accorded just compensation. Let us bring justice to hardworking teachers whose sacrifices are unparalleled by giving them just pay for their invaluable election service,” he added. – With Artemio Dumlao