CCCI calls on members to heed government policies

CEBU, Philippines - As an advocate of sound labor practices, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry is reiterating its call for chamber members to heed the government’s appeal, specifically on the issue on contractualization or “end of contract” (endo).

CCCI president Melanie Ng yesterday said that "CCCI has also advocated that we should follow the legal wage and salary guidelines and provide ample benefits to our employees in running our businesses."

This ensued after President Rodrigo Duterte issued a stern warning on companies to stop contractualization or else brace for a possible closure.

In a recent statement, the President said he would not tolerate erring companies under his watch adding that employers should pay their workers promptly otherwise he will have their businesses closed down.

Duterte said he really feels sorry for workers whose rights have been abused. He particularly cited security guards who work for 24 hours instead of rendering their supposed eight-hour shift.

   Ng, who is also the past president of the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA-Cebu) added that Cebu-based businesses are urged to attend the "Labor Forum" slated on August 19 in Cebu to understand more on the current labor thrust of the government, especially on the endo issue.  Duterte also encouraged contractual employees to report labor law violations using the national emergency hotline 911 and citizen complaint hotline number 8888.

 Prior to his assumption of office last May, Duterte vowed to end contractualization without compromise.  (FREEMAN)