Labor groups in the Philippines particularly the militant group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) lauds presidential candidate Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for opposing the “contractualization” of private and public employees. Due to the statement released by Mayor Duterte lambasting the process used mostly by companies, the labor group expects other presidential aspirants to follow the mayor’s lead.
Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) was quoted as saying “We are glad that Duterte has taken a pro-worker stand on one of the most important workers’ issues. We dare other presidential aspirants to also denounce this employment scheme which has meant a wholesale violation of workers’ rights,” KMU chair Elmer Labog said in a statement.
According to Elmer Labog “Contractualization violates workers’ rights to a living wage, to job security, and to the free exercise of trade-union rights, it should be banned. It is a scheme that allows capitalists, especially the big ones, to amass huge profits by attacking workers’ rights,” Labog added.
In an earlier statement released by Mayor Duterte, the Philippines has adopted the Herrera law which permits companies to hire employees in a contract-only mode of employment.
Under the administration of Pres. Aquino, the Department of Labor and Employment issued guidelines for contractualization through Department Order No. 18-A Series of 2011.
Mayor Duterte slammed the government’s move of favoring contractualization and noted that he would put an end to it should be he elected as President of the Philippines in the 2016 national elections.
