Better protection for workers, labor groups urge gov’t, employers

Kilusang Mayo Uno believed Dole’s Labor Advisory No. 8 falls short of “in many aspects,” noting that it failed to include the protection of outdoor workers. RICHARD A. REYES

MANILA, Philippines — Labor groups on Sunday called for better protection for workers against the extreme heat experienced in workplaces across the country. 

In a statement, Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) emphasized that it is the duty of the government and employers to prioritize the health and safety of workers, especially during hot weather conditions that increase the risk of heat-related illnesses among laborers. 

READ: DOH chief reminds public: Hydrate, ‘cool off’ vs summer diseases

Responsibility

“It is the responsibility of the government and employers to ensure that workers are safe while working,” KMU Secretary-General Jerome Adonis was quoted as saying in Filipino. 

On Sunday alone, seven areas in the Philippines are forecast to feel heat index temperatures within the “dangerous” level of 42 degrees Celsius, according to state meteorologists. 

KMU noted that extreme heat negatively impacts workers inside formal workplaces such as those inside offices and factories but stressed that outdoor workers such as those working in agriculture, docks, construction, and delivery riders are facing higher risks of heat stress.

Labor Advisory No. 8

Last year, the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) issued Labor Advisory No. 8 series of 2023 which poses guidelines in dealing with extreme heat situations which include rest breaks, temperature-appropriate uniforms, and the provision of free drinking water to employees. 

However, the labor group said that the advisory falls short of “in many aspects,” noting that it failed to include the protection of outdoor workers.

“This also does not cover informal sector workers such as vendors, jeepney drivers, and others. The government should take responsibility for the safety of workers who do not have a clear employer-employee relationship,” Adonis continued. 

KMU pointed out potential model policies in Qatar and India, such as extended drinking and rest breaks and the implementation of no-work window hours.

READ: DOH gives first-aid steps to prevent heat-related ailments

‘Escalating heat’s danger’

Meanwhile, Macajalar Labor Union-Federation of Free Workers (FFW) president Joel Tongco called on labor secretary Bienvenido Laguesma to “address the escalating heat’s danger.”

“Ensuring the well-being of our workers during the hot summer months is of paramount importance. We have standards for the suspension of work during typhoons and flooding. The rising heat as a climate catastrophe should also have standards on work suspensions,” Tongco continued.