Several groups oppose 'No vaccine, no work' policy

The plan of some companies to impose 'no vaccine, no work' policy is opposed by some groups, according to Chino Gaston's report on State of the Nation on Wednesday.

Senator Francis Tolentino, meanwhile, assured the groups that the implementation of the policy is illegal.

As early as last year, there are some workers who approached the Associated Labor Union expressing their concern over a warning by employers that their company will implement a 'No vaccine, no work' policy.

ALU spokesperson declined to identify these workers who are from the agriculture, manufacturing and services sectors.

The bulk of the complainants are from BPOs, hotels and restaurants.

"Mayroon tayong tinatawag na anti-discrimination law. 'Yung discrimination ay iba't-ibang klase na porma at uri ngunit sa aming paningin, isa itong uri ng discrimination, kung kaya't pasok ito sa Anti-Discrimination Law. So, kung mayroong magrereklamong mga manggagwa, tutulungan namin magsampa ng reklamo," said Alan Tunsay, ALU-TUCP spokesperson.

In Iloilo City, the said policy is already under discussion for government employees.

The policy will have to be reviewed and before implementation should be approved by the IATF.

Before the passage of Republic Act No. 115251 or COVID-19 Vaccination Program, an amendment was included, which stated that vaccination is not mandatory or a requirement for schooling, employment or for government transactions.

Senator Tolentino, who introduced the amendment, said labor groups should not be concerned over the policy in question.

ALU, meanwhile, is calling on the Department of Labor and Employment to issue an order to clarify the issue with employers before the arrival of the vaccines.

DOLE has not yet issued a statement as of press time.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the employer cannot the vaccination of employees.

"Hindi pwedeng ipilit 'yun kasi parang it's the right naman nu'ng individual lalo na employee, kung anong gusto niyang para sa kanyang katawan," he said.

"So, 'yung employer ang pwede niyang gawin ay i-provide lahat ng information para ma-inform nang mabuti, makagawa ng informed decision 'yung employee," he added. -- BAP, GMA News