Jinggoy wants more perks for laborers working in hot conditions

Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, chairperson of the Committee on Labor, Employment, and Human Resources Development, presides over a public hearing on several measures to assist disadvantaged job seekers in the country. He also wants more incentives for workers working under hot conditions in the country. FILE PHOTO / Joseph Vidal / Senate Social Media Unit

MANILA, Philippines — Laborers who brave the heat in their place of work deserve additional incentives or benefits, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada suggested on Monday.

In a statement,  the Senate committee chairman on labor appealed for compassion and understanding from employers during extreme weather conditions.

Estrada warned of the health and safety risks posed by the scorching heat now being experienced in many parts of the country.

“Under the DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment) policy, allowing employees to utilize their accrued leave credits is a step in the right direction,” the senator said.

“But we must likewise consider those who no longer have sufficient leave balances, and in this situation, I urge employers to exercise compassion and understanding during extreme weather conditions,” he said.

The senator then called on employers “to go beyond the minimum requirements outlined in DOLE  Advisory No. 17-2022.”

First issued on August 23, 2022,  Labor Advisory No. 17 allows employers to suspend work during weather disturbances and similar occurrences and provide extra incentives or benefits to those who reported to work on the said days.

Those who fail or also refuse to work because of imminent danger resulting from weather disturbances and similar occurrences, on the other hand,  would not be subject to any administrative sanction.

“Mahalaga na bigyan ng pagkilala at pagpapahalaga ang dedikasyon ng mga manggagawang nagtatrabaho sa gitna ng matinding init,” Estrada said.

(It is important to recognize and appreciate the dedication of workers working amidst intense heat.)

“Providing additional incentives or benefits to those who brave the heat to keep our economy running during weather disturbances is fair and shows our commitment to their well-being,” he added.

For weeks,  parts of the country have been experiencing high temperatures, forcing some schools to suspend face-to-face classes.

Nine areas were forecast to experience a dangerous heat index this Monday alone, with Daet in Camarines Norte expected to sizzle at 46 degrees Celsius.

The remaining eight areas might experience high temperatures from 42 to 44  degrees Celsius.

A heat index ranging from 42 degrees Celsius to 51 degrees Celsius is considered within the danger zone, which, according to state meteorologists, may cause heat cramps and exhaustion or may even result in heat stroke.