Senate labor panel tackles anti-endo bills

MANILA, Philippines —  Ahead of Labor Day, the Senate yesterday discussed measures prohibiting “endo” or illegal labor contracting.

“In nine days, we will be celebrating Labor Day. But what is there to celebrate?” Senate committee chairman Sen. Raffy Tulfo said.

Tulfo said workers have no reason to celebrate Labor Day with the continuing unfair work practices, such as “5-5-5” and the “pakyawan” system.

Tulfo was referring to the unfair practice of hiring employees for a period of five months to avoid regularization, as well as the piece-rate scheme that forced laborers to work up to 16 hours just for minimum wage.

Tulfo urged the Department of Labor and Employment to sack and file charges against DOLE inspectors who conspire with companies and turn a blind eye on labor violations and unfair working conditions.

Tulfo cited his own inspections at manufacturing companies in Metro Manila, where employees complained that “they do not receive benefits, they get unpaid overtime work and they are at risk of injuries and accidents.”

Labor Undersecretary Benedicto Bitonio Jr. said the department would do its best in going after incompetent and corrupt labor inspectors.