Makabayan bloc seeks probe of labor violations at NutriAsia, Hanjin

Progressive lawmakers from the House of Representative’s Makabayan bloc filed on Wednesday resolutions seeking to investigate the alleged violation of workers’ rights at NutriAsia and Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction (HHIC).

LOOK: HR 1974 seeking probe into the alleged violation of rights of NutriAsia workers | @PathRoxasINQ pic.twitter.com/i6ICZJZ6YY

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) June 27, 2018

LOOK: HR 1975 asking the House committee on labor to probe Hanjin shipyard’s alleged violation of labor standards. | @PathRoxasINQ pic.twitter.com/gtGNVNXYyA

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) June 27, 2018

ACT-Teachers Reps. Antonio Tinio and France Castro, Gabriela Reps. Emmi de Jesus and Arlene Brosas, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate, Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao, and Kabataan Rep. Sarah Elago have filed House Resolution (HR) 1974 to call for a probe into the “illegal” dismissal of several employees of NutriAsia and multiple violations of workers’ rights.

In filing the resolution, the lawmakers said a legislative investigation is necessary “to review current contractualization and labor laws” and to “assess its practical application in safeguarding workers’ rights.”

NutriAsia workers have filed a notice of strike on May 29, and conducted a strike on June 2 in protest of the company’s alleged violation of workers’ rights. Bulacan police forces “violently” dispersed the picket on June 15.

In an earlier statement, NutriAsia has denied they practice labor contractualization or “endo” (end of contract) in their Marilao, Bulacan plant.

“The workers deployed by our Provider/Toller in the Marilao plant are its regular employees. As such, they are not terminated every five months and contracted again for another five months. They are assured of and enjoy security of tenure as well as all benefits mandated by law, as would any regular employee of any employer does,” NutriAsia said.

“Being the employer, the Provider/Toller has the management prerogative to assign its employees with various clients. In practice, however, as a concession to the employees, the Provider/Toller usually assigns them to a client, which is close to their area of residence,” it added.

The lawmakers also filed HR 1975 directing the House committee on labor to probe HHIC’s alleged violation of labor standards.

The resolution cited various “unfair labor standards and other inhumane working conditions” at the company’s shipyard in Subic, Zambales.

These violations include preventing employees from forming a union, tragic deaths of workers due to unsafe workplace, and rendering mandatory overtime work.

All of Hanjin’s 40,000 employees are also contractual, according to the resolution. /ee