Inter-agency meet seeks fixed pay for bus drivers
In the wake of several bus-related accidents in recent months, labor and transportation agencies have formulated a three-point strategy to allow a fixed salary and improved working conditions for public utility bus (PUB) drivers. At least five agencies led by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said the plan will also take into account ways to implement a âmoratorium" on transport strikes. âOne of the agreements was also to adopt a fixed compensation scheme that provides for a fixed rate or salary plus performance-based pay scheme for bus drivers and conductors. This conforms to our two-tier wage system reform that we are pursuing," DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said in a news release posted on the government portal Tuesday night. The DOLE met with representatives of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group to thresh out the strategy. Also present at the meeting were University of the Philippines Department of Psychology Dr. Aurora Mendoza, and mayors Sherwin Gatchalian (Valenzuela), Aldrin San Pedro (Muntinlupa), and Del de Guzman (Marikina). On the possible transport strike moratorium, the participants agreed to present a proposal to the transport sector for discussion. In October, the DOLE said it will convene a general meeting of all government regulatory agencies, PUB operators and drivers, and the transport sector for a presentation and signing of a joint social accord that will set in motion the implementation of all the agreements. 3-point action plan National Wages and Productivity Commission Executive Director Ciriaco Lagunzad said the government sector drew up an action plan to implement strategies on three key areas:
- Working conditions and compensation scheme
- Improving driversâ competency and road safety knowledge
- Possible moratorium on transport strike