Factory, construction workers seek exemption from face shield use

Employees involved in factory work and construction are appealing for an exemption from the mandatory use of face shields, citing the constraints these bring to their work.

According to Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) spokesperson Alan Tanjusay, workers are finding it hard to fulfill their responsibilities due to the face shield.

"Dahil sa electronics, sa garment, ganoon din sa food processing, napakasensitibo ng mga hinahawakan ng mga manggagagawa. At kung suot-suot ang face shield, nahihirapan silang makakita o makapag-operate," he said in a report on GMA's "24 Oras Weekend" on Sunday.

Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. added that if office workers were finding it difficult to work with face shields, this was certainly the case at construction sites and on factory floors.

"Sa opisina, it's already uncomfortable [kahit] na may space naman kayo tapos lahat ng tao ron eh presumed to be okay lang dahil chine-check na," he said.

"Eh sa factory ganon din. May mga trabaho sa factory na talagang hindi pupwede ang face [shield]," he added.

To recall, the government in late July said it was considering requiring citizens to wear face shields while in public as an added protection against COVID-19.

On August 15, the national government mandated the use of face shields on top of face masks when using public transport or when in workplaces.

On August 21, Malacanang required face shields in enclosed spaces and commercial establishments, including shopping malls. — DVM, GMA News