PAYBACK TIME Because of the worker’s complaint, the manufacturing company Next Green Factory ends up being scrutinized by the city government for other possible violations. —PHOTO FROM THE VALENZUELA CITY GOVERNMENT’S FACEBOOK PAGE
MANILA, Philippines – Many companies get into trouble for failing to give the correct wages. This company in Valenzuela, however, is in hot water for paying the salary of a disgruntled employee entirely in coins.
Calling it a “cruel and unusual” practice that warranted sanctions from the city government, Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian on Tuesday said they would investigate the factory that gave 5- and 10-centavo coins as the worker’s salary.
“The city government is outraged by what the company owner did,” Gatchalian said. “It takes away the dignity of the worker who put in sweat and time on the job.”
That one act will cause more problems for the factory. In a message to the Inquirer, Gatchalian said that they would look into other allegations of labor exploitation against Next Green Factory, a registered manufacturer of hoses, in Barangay Canumay West.
Mayor’s ire
On Monday, the mayor called the company’s attention after receiving a complaint from Russel Mañosa, who claimed that he received two days’ worth of wages totaling P1,056 in coins.
However, only a company representative came to City Hall as the factory’s owner was reportedly out of town. The representative alleged during their Monday meeting that it was a mistake and that the coins were supposed to be a donation to the Church.
Gatchalian said the factory’s practice was in violation of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas circular issued in 2006, which sets maximum limits on payments made in currency notes or coins.
Under BSP Circular No. 537, coins in denominations of 1, 5 and 10 pesos could be used as payment for amounts not exceeding P1,000. Coins in denomination of 5, 10 and 25 centavos could be used as payment only for amounts not exceeding P100.
Retribution
Mañosa has since quit the company, which he had also accused of other exploitative labor practices.
In a television interview, Mañosa said he felt the payment in coins was the company’s way of getting back at him because of his numerous labor grievances.
Citing Mañosa’s complaint, Gatchalian said that the factory also allegedly failed to pay him for overtime and night differentials. It also did not grant him Pag-Ibig, PhilHealth and Social Security System benefits.
“All of these will be resolved when we meet. We will take a position that protects our workers not just physically but emotionally,” the mayor pointed out.
Gatchalian said he would meet Next Green officials again today, June 30, together with Mañosa.
So far, Gatchalian said Mañosa was the only worker to have received his wages in coins. The City Hall has offered him financial assistance in the meantime.