DOLE trains first batch of deputy labor inspectors

The Department of Labor and Employment is training 55 people who will form the first batch of deputized labor inspectors who will help ensure the compliance of firms with labor laws.

Labor undersecretary Joel Maglungsod said the pilot training will end on June 28, after which the trainees will be evaluated before they are deployed.

He added that around 80 percent of the soon-to-be deployed deputized labor inspectors are from workers’ federations and non-government organizations.

“They will be evaluated first before they are given a certification by labor secretary Silvestre Bello III that they will be among the deputized labor inspectors,” Maglungsod said.

After getting their certification of deputization, the trained labor inspectors will be deployed to the regions and industries they came from.

“If they are experts in mining, or in hospital administration, or hotels, they will be deployed to the same aligned industry. This is to complement our ongoing recruitment for additional labor laws compliance officers,” Maglungsod said.

Earlier, President Duterte ordered the DOLE to deputize workers’ unions and their staff members to help conduct establishments for their compliance of labor laws and standards.

The deputization of workers’ unions is expected to boost the efforts of the existing 525 labor laws compliance officers, who are tasked to inspect 937,554 business establishments in the country.

Maglungsod said they are also eyeing similar trainings in regions across the country.