Labor group leader walks out on DOLE meeting, plans mass actions

The chairman of Nagkaisa Labor Coalition walked out on a meeting with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in which the attendees discussed a department order on labor contractualization. 

"To be honest, unacceptable sa amin 'to eh. So.. that's why I asked for four days. Basta what we asked was the provision on contractualization, fix-term contract, yung lang sir," said Nagkaisa Chairman Michael Mendoza in a report by GMA News' Susan Enriquez on "24 Oras", Tuesday. 

According to the labor group, Department Order No. 30 only seeks to legalize contractualization. The said order also includes regulations for manpower agencies.

These provisions are against the stand of President Rodrigo Duterte that were disclosed during a dialogue with laborers.

The group added that they would conduct protests next week if the implementation of the Department Order will push through. 

"Nakahanda na kami sa nationwide mass actions next week. Kapag itong Department Order na ito ay ituloy nila at hindi sang-ayon sa direktiba ng Presidente, magcoconduct kami ng nationwide mass actions, babalik kami sa Presidente. Ireklamo namin siya," said Rene Magtubo, Nagkaisa labor group spokesman.

In the side of the employers, Philippine Association of Legitimate Service Contractor's Roda Caliwara explained, "Ang service contracting po ay nagpo-provide and nagge-generate din po ng more than a milion jobs sa Pilipinas."

"So kapag nawala ho itong itong industriya na ito, mawawala rin po ang maraming trabaho sa Pilipinas," she added.

Meanwhile, the Labor department has given four days to labor groups and employers to find a common ground on the issue. 

DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III said, "We cannot end contractualization eh kasi we have to accept the fact na there are certain work or job that are seasonal. We have to be ready for that, kasi we have laws to talk about." — Anna Felicia Bajo/GMA News