700 workers win ‘regular’ status in Calabarzon tech firms

More than 700 workers in companies operating in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) region will soon become regular employees after their employers were found to have violated the right of workers to security of tenure.

In separate compliance orders issued by the regional office of the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole), three advanced technology companies based in Laguna — Cirtek Advanced Technologies Solutions Inc., Du Pont Far East Inc. and Fuji Electric Philippines Inc. — were directed to give 737 workers regular employment status after the firms were proven to be engaged in labor-only contracting activities.

The Dole said the contractors lacked substantial capital because the employees used their principals’ equipment and tools in the actual performance of their outsourced services.

“The principals also exercise control and full authority in the performance of work of the deployed workers, who work alongside regular employees …,” the Dole said in a statement. —Tina G. Santos