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After bus accident, DOLE vows stricter monitoring of labor law compliance


Following Monday's deadly bus accident at the Skyway in southern Metro Manila, the Department of Labor and Employment vowed to be stricter in monitoring the compliance of bus companies with labor laws.
 
DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz also said she would coordinate with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority in enhancing public safety.
 
"So in January, when implementation of our Labor Law Compliance System resumes, we will see to it that bus companies are fully compliant. We will also coordinate with the LTFRB to ensure that only those bus companies with labor standards compliance certificates are issued CPCs," she said.
 
Baldoz admitted Don Mariano Transit Corp., whose bus flew off the Skyway and crashed into the service road below, had an expired Labor Standards Compliance Certificate since July.
 
At least 18 people were killed in the accident.
 
The accident prompted the LTFRB to preventively suspend Don Mariano's entire 78-unit fleet for 30 days.
 
"Don Mariano Transit Corporation is covered by D.O. 118-A. It was last inspected on 3 July 2012, and issued a Labor Standards Compliance Certificate by the DOLE on 17 July 2012. It has an expired LSCC and has not renewed its application," said Baldoz.
 
The DOLE said Don Mariano has 78 buses, 79 bus drivers, and 107 conductors, and seven franchises.
 
Baldoz also ordered DOLE Metro Manila regional director Alex Avila to conduct an immediate assessment and inspection of the bus company.
 
She also instructed Avila to include Don Mariano in the priority list of "inspectionable" establishments in January 2014.
 
Labor compliance certificates
 
In Metro Manila, Baldoz said the DOLE issued LSCCs to 78 bus companies which operate 3,561 buses under 385 franchises, and employing 3,927 drivers and 3,632 conductors.
 
Baldoz issued Department Order 118-12 on Jan. 13, 2012, to ensure the protection and welfare of drivers and conductors in the public utility bus transport industry.
 
The department order specified the hours of work of drivers and conductors, and provides them security of tenure.
 
It also provides for a two-tier compensation system including a fixed and performance-based compensation scheme alongside occupational safety and health and social protection benefits.
 
"Our main aim with D.O. 118-12 is to ensure passenger safety in bus transport, and also to enhance the well-being and health of bus drivers and conductors," said Baldoz.  — ELR, GMA News
Tags: laborlaws
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