DOLE cancels AEPs of 6 Chinese nationals over labor, safety violations

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Tuesday canceled the Alien Employment Permits (AEPs) of six Chinese nationals over alleged illegal employment and labor and workplace safety violations.

The six Chinese nationals were linked to a raided steel facility in Pampanga, where 10 workers reportedly showed symptoms of radiation exposure.

The facility was identified as belonging to Chuangxin Steel Incorporated.

Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino raised concerns over the alleged illegal employment of foreign workers, who were reportedly brought directly from mainland China without proper documentation.

An investigation found that the steel facility failed to present basic employment records and did not properly pay workers overtime and holiday wages.

The company also allegedly failed to provide mandatory employee benefits, including coverage under the Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG Fund.

It also failed to present a workplace sexual harassment policy or establish a Committee on Decorum and Investigation.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), the 10 workers who were exposed to radiation experienced headaches, fever, skin itchiness, cough and colds.

DOLE also sought Chuangxin's cooperation in locating 33 Chinese employees who remain unaccounted for.

The Labor Department referred the cases of the six Chinese nationals to the Bureau of Immigration for appropriate deportation proceedings.

On July 25, DOLE issued a work stoppage order against the company.— MCG, GMA News