PAL Employees to Retain Job – DOLE

The Department of Labor and Employment stressed that the planned outsourcing of the services of Philippine Airline’s ground crew will not render the 2, 600 employees jobless.

DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said that the employees involved in PAL’s non-core activities such as cargo handling, in-flight catering, and call center reservations operations will all be granted employment and hefty transition benefits.

The decision, in declaring valid the termination of the covered rank-and-file employees, established two parameters under the CBA: (1) the exercise of the management prerogative was done in a just, reasonable, humane, and lawful manner; and (2) the observance of the 45-day consultation period, required in the CBA, before implementing the reorganization.

In a statement, Sec. Baldoz said that the just and humane exercise of the management prerogative to close and outsource the services is reflected in the improved transition benefits that will be granted all affected employees which, she explained in the decision, are “over and above the benefits granted in the original decision and even under existing laws”.

The DOLE affirmed the original decision to specifically provide the employees a one-year guarantee of entry point salaries with the service providers.

The terminated employees shall be absorbed by their respective service providers, and PAL shall guarantee payment of their salaries for a period of at least one year from the time of their separation from employment as the original decision provided.

The said employees shall be absorbed by SkyKitchen Phil. Inc. (catering), SkyLogistics Phil. Inc. (airport services) and ePLDT Ventus, a PLDT subsidiary (call center), according to the decision.

Aside from being transferred, these employees will receive standard and additional benefits such as vacation leave, sick leave, extended medical and hospitalization package, gratuity of P50, 000.00 and trip passes.

The Philippine Airlines Employees Association (PALEA), however, is against the decision of the Labor department, saying that this will actually meant “death of job security at Philippine Airlines”.

PALEA President Gerry Rivera said “PALEA “The order is not a win-win solution that balances the interest of workers for job security and management for financial viability.”

Trabaho.com. thanks its following sources:
DOLE Labor Communications Office. PAL ground employees not jobless--DOLE. (Posted October 31, 2010) Retrieved November 2, 2010 from
http://www.dole.gov.ph/secondpage.php?id=1489

GMANews.tv. PAL workers to haul DOLE to court over layoffs (Posted November 1, 2010) Retrieved November 2, 2010 from
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/204830/pal-workers-to-haul-dole-to-court-over-layoffs

Inquirer.net. PAL ground employees not jobless—DoLE. (Posted November 1, 2010) Retrieved November 2, 2010 from
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20101101-300871/PAL-ground-employees-not-joblessDoLE

ABS-CBNNews.com. PALEA slams DOLE decision on layoff of 3,000 employees (Posted October 31, 2010) Retrieved November 2, 2010 from
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/10/31/10/palea-slams-dole-decision-layoff-3000-employees

JOB FAIRS AND EVENTS City Job Fair Part 7 by JobQuest WHEN: November 18-19, 2010 WHERE: 2F Trade Hall, Starmall, EDSA-Shaw Makati City Job Fair by JobQuest WHEN: November 22-23, 2010 WHERE: Glorietta Activity Center

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PNoy Stressed RP Government's Commitment to Business Sector, Job Creation

President Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III stressed the Philippine Government's commitment to help the business sector as well as make more jobs available to the Filipinos in the coming years.

During the last day of the 36th Philippine Business Conference and Expo held at the Manila Hotel, President Aquino thanked the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industries (PCCI) for launching its Business Matrix Program, which aims to develop the countryside by promoting their livelihoods and opening up more opportunities for both micro, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to sell their goods and services to large corporations.

"With a computerized networking system that bridges the gap between producers and sellers with their potential buyers and financial resources, you have shown once again, your commitment in empowering our people through the partnership of the private sector with the community," President Aquino said. We are all aware of the enormous problems we inherited, but we continue to work to improve the overall business climate," he added.

Furthermore, he again shared that companies such as Coca-Cola, Pfizer, AES, Hewlett-Packard, JP Morgan Chase, Sutherland Global Services, Inc., General Electric, Headstrong Corporation, SPI Global and Affinity Express have all expressed strong interest in investing in the country.

"We secured over $2.4 billion U.S. dollars worth of investments, covering a wide range of investment areas, from power generation to garments and leather goods, and of course the BPO industry. This translates to at least 43,600 new jobs and as much as 200,000 indirect jobs owing to the multiplier effect in the next three years...More jobs shall come our way as we implement projects under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) system which we hope to launch by the next month," President Aquino said.

The PPP Center aims to give businesses advisory services, technical assistance, training, and capacity development in the preparation of their ventures into government undertakings.

President Aquino said, "we are simplifying the process of establishing a business, and in stamping out red tape, as well as in improving infrastructure, and relaxing regulations on air travel to and from the country. All of these reforms are being undertaken in order to create a business-friendly atmosphere that will benefit you and the entire nation in the long run."

Trabaho.com. thanks its following sources:
Presidential Communications Operations Office. President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech during the 36th Philippine Business Conference and Exposition (Fiesta Pavilion, Manila Hotel, MM). (Posted October 15, 2010) Retrieved October 25, 2010 from http://ops.gov.ph/speeches2010/speech2010_oct15.html

JOB FAIRS AND EVENTS Viva Job Fair at Robinson Ermita by Viva Events WHEN: October 27-28, 2010 WHERE: Robinsons Ermita South City Job Fair by JobQuest WHEN: October 28-29, 2010 WHERE:Festival Supermall Makati City Job Fair by JobQuest WHEN: November 22-23, 2010 WHERE: Glorietta Activity Center

JOB ADS Huang Hsiang Development Corporation - Licensed Civil Engineer Nutri-Kuisine Enterprise - Corporate Sales Executive RGA Architecture - Architect/Designer - CAD Architect Double Scoop Marketing, Inc. - Sales Management Trainees - Office Staff/Encoders Menandro B Gapit Designs Consultancy Corporation -CAD Draftsmen/women Web Phil Info.com, Inc. - Marketing Assistant - Content Writer - Web Designer/Web Developer MORE JOB ADS...

Recruitment Agencies Will Pay OFW Insurance Coverage - POEA

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) stressed that employers and recruiters are mandated by law to pay for the insurance coverage of workers and seafarers they hire and should not be charged to them.

In a news release, POEA Administrator Jennifer Jardin-Manalili said the agencies should not pass on to their recruits, directly or indirectly, the cost of the insurance premium of the worker or face penalties in accordance with existing POEA rules and regulations.

As mandated by Republic Act 10022, known as the Migrant Workers Law, licensed recruitment and manning agencies or foreign employers shall pay for the insurance coverage of workers and seafarers they hire and should be at no cost to the worker or seafarer.

Administrator Manalili added that a certificate of cover (COC) provided by an insurance company licensed and certified by the Insurance Commission (IC) is required before the issuance of overseas employment certificate (OEC) or exit clearance of agency-hired OFWs.

For seafarers, a certificate of entry or other proofs of insurance coverage from the manning agency shall be accepted if the vessel is covered by protection and indemnity, provided that the minimum coverage under sub-paragraphs (a) to (i) 0f Section 37-A of Republic Act 8042, as amended, are included. The coverage must also conform with pertinent POEA rules and regulations and the POEA Standard Terms and Conditions Governing the Overseas Employment of Filipino Seafarers on Board Ocean-Going Ships. as stated in the news release.

She said the insurance coverage is optional for name hires(or those directly hired by the company and did not go through an agency), rehires (balik-manggagawa or vacationing workers) and workers hired through government-to-government arrangement. They may request their foreign employers to pay the cost of insurance or they may pay the premium themselves.

The insurance coverage shall be effective for the duration of the worker s employment contract and shall cover, at the minimum, the benefits provided for by the Omnibus Rules and Regulations Implementing Republic Act 8042 as amended by RA 10022.

The insurance coverage shall include accidental death, natural death, permanent total disablement, repatriation cost, subsistence allowance, settlement claims, compassionate visit, medical evacuation, and medical repatriation.

In reaction, recruitment consultant Emmanuel Geslani said that some recruitment agencies that are not charging placement fees may be forced to closed down due to this policy. On the other hand, agencies that charge such fees may not be able to make the client company agree to shoulder the additional fees for insurance. Furthermore, Geslani said that the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration might as well be abolished, as the duty of protecting OFWs will now be in the hands of predatory private insurance companies."

Trabaho.com. thanks its following sources:
POEA News Release. Recruitment agencies to pay insurance coverage of OFWs (Posted October 15, 2010) Retrieved October 18, 2010 from
http://www.poea.gov.ph/news/2010/PR_Oct2010_MandatoryInsurance.pdf

Abella, Jerrie, GMANews.tv. Recruiters must pay insurance for OFWs - POEA (Posted October 18, 2010) Retrieved October 18, 2010 from
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/203654/recruiters-must-pay-insurance-for-ofws-poea

JOB FAIRS AND EVENTS Viva Job Fair at Robinson Ermita by Viva Events WHEN: October 27-28, 2010 WHERE: Robinsons Ermita South City Job Fair by JobQuest WHEN: October 28-29, 2010 WHERE:Festival Supermall Makati City Job Fair by JobQuest WHEN: November 22-23, 2010 WHERE: Glorietta Activity Center

JOB ADS Huang Hsiang Development Corporation - Licensed Civil Engineer Nutri-Kuisine Enterprise - Corporate Sales Executive RGA Architecture - Architect/Designer - CAD Architect Double Scoop Marketing, Inc. - Sales Management Trainees - Office Staff/Encoders Menandro B Gapit Designs Consultancy Corporation -CAD Draftsmen/women Web Phil Info.com, Inc. - Marketing Assistant - Content Writer - Web Designer/Web Developer MORE JOB ADS...

DOLE, NWPC Propose Two-Tiered Wage

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through its attached agency, the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC), is proposing the adoption of a new wage system that will replace the current minimum wage setting in the country.

According to NWPC Executive Director Ciriaco Lagunzad III, the proposed two-tiered wage mechanism seeks the provision of floor wage to protect the income of vulnerable workers and enterprise productivity-based approach in determining wages above the minimum. He explained that the first tier is a mandatory national wage, or a floor wage, which will protect the incomes of the most vulnerable sectors from undue low wages. The second tier above the national floor is productivity-based. This seeks to encourage improved work performance, remove the disincentive for collective bargaining, and promote bipartite modes in determining wages and other terms and conditions of work.

Exec. Dir. Lagunzad said that the current wage system is vulnerable to inflation and unemployment, increases informality, distorts pay structures, weakens incentive for collective bargaining, and discourages pay-for-performance schemes.

Under the current setting, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) adjust the minimum wage based on petitions filed by labor groups or motu propio (on its own). Before granting or declining the petition, a series of consultations and public hearings are held to determine the effect on both sides – the employer and employee as well as other sectors involved.

DOLE Sec. Rosalinda Baldoz said that a two-tiered wage policy reform can be initiated within the present system of wage fixing under RA 6727 or the Wage Rationalization Act. Under said law, the RTWPB is allowed to set the minimum or floor wage rates in the region along industry lines, and promote productivity improvement at all level.

Baldoz also said the members of the RTWPB in various parts of the country and the NWPC are conducting consultative meetings with different labor and e mployer groups to facilitate policy formulation on the development of compensation strategies based on workers and enterprise performance and productivity.

“The consultative meetings aim to pursue higher wages based on performance and productivity, and eliminate vulnerability among the working poor,” she said. Furthermore, the consultations between the RTWPBs and the labor sector and employers complement a key item in the 22-point labor and employment agendum of President Benigno S. Aquino III which seeks to align the country’s labor policies with international treaties and International Labor Organization conventions.

Trabaho.com. thanks its following sources:
DOLE Labor Communications Office. Two-tiered wage system gains support (Posted October 3, 2010) Retrieved October 4, 2010 from
http://www.dole.gov.ph/secondpage.php?id=1400

GMANews.tv. DOLE: 2-tiered wage system gaining employers' support (Posted October 2, 2010) Retrieved October 5, 2010 from
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/202455/dole-2-tiered-wage-system-gaining-employers-support

Inquirer.net. DoLE may replace minimum wage system with 2-tiered wage (Posted August 5, 2010) Retrieved October 4, 2010 from
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20100805-285034/DoLE-may-replace-minimum-wage-system-with-2-tiered-wage

JOB FAIRS AND EVENTS Viva Job Fair at Robinson Ermita by Viva Events WHEN: October 27-28, 2010 WHERE: Robinsons Ermita

JOB ADS Double Scoop Marketing, Inc. - Sales Management Trainees - Office Staff/Encoders Menandro B Gapit Designs Consultancy Corporation -CAD Draftsmen/women Efficient Business Management Outsource, Inc. - Experienced Programmer - Company Driver Global Water Engineering Corporation - Administrative Assistant Web Phil Info.com, Inc. - Marketing Assistant - Content Writer - Web Designer/Web Developer Ibarra's Catering Services - Sales and Marketing Manager - Events and Venue Manager - Account Executive/Banquet Sales Associate - Captain Waiter - Chief Engineer - Graphic Artist MORE JOB ADS...

DOLE Warned Jobseekers about Malaysian Online Recruitment Scam

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) issued a warning to Filipino jobseekers looking for work in Malaysia about an online recruitment scam.

In a statement, DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz aired the warning after receiving a report from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Kuala Lumpur saying that there are emails circulating, apparently from the Immigration Department of Malaysia. It is an alleged notice about their visa processing requirements.

She explained that the alleged notice from the immigration authority is informing a prospective applicant of a pending appointment letter from a certain company, Mobil Oil Company, which allegedly requests for the processing of the applicant’s documents.

Labor attaché to Kuala Lumpur Hassan Gabra Jumdain said the email states that after securing all the necessary documents from the applicant, the processing of a visa or residence work permit would cost the worker a total of US$ 670.00 (around PhP 30,150.00). The applicant should send the amount through Western Union, to an account name with a government office address in Kuala Lumpur.

“The email also indicates that the cost of pre-paid flight tickets will be shouldered by the host employer, in this case Mobil Oil Company,” Jumdain reported.

Sec. Baldoz reminded prospective overseas Filipino workers to strictly observe precautionary measures pertaining to applications for overseas employment in Malaysia. “Such notices are a hoax and prospective workers for Malaysia should be very wary about answering these hoax emails,” Baldoz warned.

“They should only deal with licensed recruitment agencies posted at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) website or visit the POEA for advice. They should not be lured by sweet words from fixers and agents promising overseas jobs for a fee. Better still, they should immediately report illegal recruiters to government authorities,” she said.

Sec. Baldoz warned illegal recruiters to stop plying their illegal schemes because the law will eventually catch up with them.

Trabaho.com. thanks its following sources:
DOLE Information and Publication Office. Planning to work in Malaysia? Beware of Internet recruitment scam, Baldoz warns (Posted September 3, 2010 from
http://www.dole.gov.ph/secondpage.php?id=1345

JOB FAIRS AND EVENTS 14th Retail Careers, I.T. and Services Jobs Fair by Island Exhibit WHEN: September 10-11, 2010 WHERE: Glorietta Activity Center, Makati City Philippine Youth Congress in Information Technology Y4IT 2010 by UP ITTC WHEN: September 14-17, 2010 WHERE: UP Theater and UP Film Institute/Cine Adarna The 2nd Jobs Search at the Starmall by Island Exhibit WHEN: September 17-18, 2010 WHERE: 2F Trade Hall, Starmall, EDSA-Shaw

JOB ADS Fortworth, Inc. PCMed Inc. - Secretary - Field Computer Technicians - Company Driver / Messenger - Human Resource Development Officer TECHNOKids Philippines - Elementary & High School I.T. Instructors - Instructional Designer - Content Writer Global Water Engineering Corporation - Administrative Assistant Justino Corporation - Accounting Staff - Warehouse Stock Personnel R. Lapid's Chicharon & Barbecue - Service Crew Rider (Motorcycle) - Human Resource Head - Maintenance - Area Supervisor (Mandaue Cebu Area) - Accounting Staff - Marketing Assistant - Quality Assurance Assistant - Property Custodian - Ref/Acu Technician - Driver - Service Crew - Production Worker Ibarra's Catering Services - Sales and Marketing Manager - Events and Venue Manager - Account Executive/Banquet Sales Associate - Captain Waiter - Chief Engineer - Graphic Artist British Embassy Manila - Trade and Investment Manager MORE JOB ADS...

VP Binay Suspended Pag-ibig Contributions of OFWs

Vice President and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Chair Jejomar ‘Jojo’ Binay suspended the implementation of the order mandating the six-month advance contribution of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to the Home Development Mutual (Pag-ibig) Fund.

Vice Pres. Binay also ordered the Pag-ibig and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to conduct a thorough study and more consultations with the affected sectors. He said there is a need to review the legal basis and propriety of compelling OFWs to pay in advance the equivalent of a six-month contribution, or P600, as precondition to their departure.

“What is important is that government should assist our OFWs and should not be seen as further imposing burdens on them. Aside from reviewing the legal basis for the order, the concerned government agencies should hold more consultations with the affected sectors. There should be transparency in the process," he said.

"There are benefits to be derived from Pag-ibig membership and this should be explained fully to our OFWs," he added.

Pursuant to the order of Vice Pres. Binay, POEA issued a statement last August 16 stating that the POEA is set to meet with Pag-ibig officials immediately to conduct further studies and consultations on the issue and discuss a more facilitative mechanism to implement the coverage of workers under the Fund.

In the meantime, in accordance to Republic Act 9679 which makes PAG-IBIG membership compulsory to OFWs, all overseas workers can pay their contributions directly through any PAG-IBIG office nationwide. POEA also said that required insurance coverage for OFWs, as provided under Republic Act 10022, will be implemented only after the Insurance Commission issues its guidelines on the matter.

Last July 7, POEA issued Memorandum Circular No. 06, Series of 2010, mandating all out-bound OFWs to pay six-months' worth of PAG-IBIG membership contribution. The memorandum states that overseas workers will not be able to get their Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) and leave the country unless they have paid the said amount.

When the memorandum was issued, it was immediately met with retaliation from various labor groups such as Migrante International, who called it as a “legalized kotong.”

Trabaho.com. thanks its following sources:
Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council. VP Binay Orders Freezing Of Order Mandating Advance Pag-ibig Payment For OFWs. Retrieved August 31, 2010 from
http://www.hudcc.gov.ph/index.php?p=88&type=2&sec=29&aid=259

POEA News Release. POEA stops collection of Pag-ibig fees (Posted August 16, 2010) Retrieved August 31, 2010 from
http://www.poea.gov.ph/news/2010/PR_Aug2010_%20PAG-IBIG.pdf

Lee-Brago, Pia, The Philippine Star. Binay suspends Pag-ibig membership for OFWs (Posted August 13, 2010) Retrieved August 31, 2010 from
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=602177&publicationSubCategoryId=65

Migrante International. Mandatory contribution legalizes ‘kotong’ from OFWs (Posted August 7, 2010) Retrieved August 31, 2010 from
http://migranteinternational.org/?p=769

JOB FAIRS AND EVENTS The 2nd Jobs Search at the Starmall by Island Exhibit WHEN: September 17-18, 2010 WHERE: 2F Trade Hall, Starmall, EDSA-Shaw

JOB ADS Fortworth, Inc. PCMed Inc. - Secretary - Field Computer Technicians - Company Driver / Messenger - Human Resource Development Officer TECHNOKids Philippines - Elementary & High School I.T. Instructors - Instructional Designer - Content Writer Global Water Engineering Corporation - Administrative Assistant Justino Corporation - Accounting Staff - Warehouse Stock Personnel R. Lapid's Chicharon & Barbecue - Service Crew Rider (Motorcycle) - Human Resource Head - Maintenance - Area Supervisor (Mandaue Cebu Area) - Accounting Staff - Marketing Assistant - Quality Assurance Assistant - Property Custodian - Ref/Acu Technician - Driver - Service Crew - Production Worker Hansson Paper Phils. Corp. - Accounting Staff Trabaho Client #245 - Accounting Staff - Sales Engineer British Embassy Manila - Trade and Investment Manager MORE JOB ADS...

Central Visayas Workers to Receive P18 Wage Hike

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in Region 7 increased the daily minimum wage rate in Central Visayas by P18.00, effective this September.

According to RTWPB Region 7 Chairman and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Director Elias Cayanong, the decision of the Board was based on cost of living and basic services, fuel, and inflation rate, among others. In addition, the Board agreed to implement a uniform increase on all wage classes in the region.

However, some 100 exporters listed under the Department of Trade and Industry and the Confederation of Philippine Exporters Foundation (Philexport) Cebu have been given a six-month exemption because they have forecasted their cost for this year and are still recovering from the effects of the global financial crisis.

Cebu Furniture Industry Foundation President Angela Paulin said that they are grateful to the RTWPB for granting them an extension, but believes that the industry cannot fully recover in such a short span of time. On the other hand, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) expressed its support in the decision of the local wage board. However, CCCI President Sammy Chioson said that it be better to implement the wage increase next year.

Dir. Ferdinand Jumapao of the Associated Labor Unions Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP) - Membership Recruitment and Services Department added that though P18 is not enough, it can help workers pay for their fare and food.

Trabaho.com. thanks its following sources:
Napallacan, Jhunnex, Inquirer Visayas. C. Visayas workers get P18-wage hike (Posted August 15, 2010) Retrieved August 16, 2010 from
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20100815-287026/C-Visayas-workers-get-P18-wage-hike

Garcia-Yap, Aileen, Cebu Daily News. New wage hike worries Cebu furniture makers (Posted August 15, 2010) Retrieved August 16, 2010 from
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/news/view/20100815-286886/New_wage_hike_worries_Cebu_furniture_makers

Pareja, Jessica Ann, The Freeman. For September implementation: Central Visayas workers get P18 wage hike (Posted August 13, 2010) Retrieved August 16, 2010 from
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=602271&publicationSubCategoryId=107

Mosqueda, Mars, Jr., Manila Bulletin. Wage board grants P18 hike in daily wage of CV workers (Posted August 13, 2010) Retrieved August 16, 2010 from
http://www.mb.com.ph/node/272194

Baquero, Elias, Sun.Star Cebu. Wages in Central Visayas up by P18 (Posted August 13, 2010) Retrieved August 16, 2010 from
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/network/wages-central-visayas-p18

JOB FAIRS AND EVENTS The 3rd Get A Job Trinoma Jobs Fair by Island Exhibit WHEN: August 25-26, 2010 WHERE: Trinoma Activity Center, Trinoma Mall 13th Metro Job Fair by Adexhibit WHEN: August 26-28, 2010 WHERE: SM Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City

JOB ADS Fortworth, Inc. PCMed Inc. - Field Computer Technicians - Company Driver / Messenger TECHNOKids Philippines - Elementary & High School I.T. Instructors Justino Corporation - Accounting Staff - Warehouse Stock Personnel R. Lapid's Chicharon & Barbecue - Human Resource Head - Maintenance - Area Supervisor (Mandaue Cebu Area) - Accounting Staff - Marketing Assistant - Quality Assurance Assistant - Property Custodian - Ref/Acu Technician - Driver - Service Crew - Production Worker Hansson Paper Phils. Corp. - Accounting Staff Trabaho Client #245 - Accounting Staff - Sales Engineer British Embassy Manila - Trade and Investment Manager MORE JOB ADS...

Western Visayas, Davao, and Northern Mindanao Board Approved Wage Increase Petitions

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPB) of Western Visayas, Davao, and Northern Mindanao have approved the petition for increase in the minimum wage for their respective regions.

RTWPB Region 6 nodded an additional P15.00 per day increase in the region's minimum wage, setting the new minimum wage in the region at P265.00 per day for non-agricultural establishments employing more than 10 workers; P223.00 for non-agricultural establishments employing 10 workers or less; P233.00 for workers in the agricultural plantation sector; and P223 for workers in the agriculture–non plantation sector.

On the other hand, the Davao board added P21.00 per day to the current minimum wage, raising it to P271.00 per day plus P15.00 cost of living allowance (COLA) for non-agricultural workers, and P261.00 plus P15.00 COLA for agriculture, retail and service industry workers.

The Northern Mindanao RTWPB granted an additional P25.00 to the current P12.00 COLA implemented in the region. However, the adjustment will be divided in two phases: P12.00 will be added on August 16 and the rest, on October 1.

The current increase in the minimum wage rate in their respective areas have garnered different reactions from various sectors. Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Roberto Montelibano said that they will comply with the new wage order but warned that many small-and medium-scale businesses may seek exemption, decrease work day, or worse, layoff workers just to survive. Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. President Robert Quinto understands the situation of the workers and appealed that the labor sector understand their side as well. Employers Confederation of the Philippines President Edgardo Lacson called for a suspension of any wage increase this year, citing that companies are still trying to recover from the global economic downturn. Furthermore, Mr. Lacson said that the government should focus on job generation instead of increasing the minimum wage, which only benefits a few.

On the other hand, RTWPB Region 6 labor representative Wennie Sancho said that the increase was not enough. Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU)-Panay chapter coordinator Wennie Dublezo called the increase as “pittance” and just enough for a round trip jeepney fare of P14.00. In a press statement, KMU chairperson Elmer Labog said “President [Benigno] Noynoy Aquino said Filipinos can dream again. But how could workers dream again with P15 and P21?” Partido ng Manggagawa Chairperson Renato Magtubo, said workers would continue to suffer not only from low wages but also the refusal of many employers to pay the declared minimum wage.

Trabaho.com. thanks its following sources:
Osorio, Elisa, The Philippine Star. ECOP wants wage hike moratorium (Posted August 2, 2010) Retrieved August 2, 2010 from
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=598918&publicationSubCategoryId=63

Dumas, L.G., BusinessWorld. Northern Mindanao minimum wage up by P25 (Posted July 30, 2010) Retrieved August 2, 2010 from
http://www.bworld.com.ph/main/content.php?id=15076

Gomez, Carla, Philippine Daily Inquirer. Companies to pay P15 wage increase, but... (Posted July 29, 2010) Retrieved August 2, 2010 from
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20100729-283870/Companies-to-pay-P15-wage-increase-but

Fiel, Tito, Judy Quiros, Orlando Dinoy and Germelina Lacorte, Inquirer Mindanao. Mindanao workers to get P26 increase in daily wage (Posted July 29, 2010) Retrieved August 2, 2010 from
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20100729-283812/Mindanao-workers-to-get-P26-increase-in-daily-wage

Kilusang Mayo Uno. Aquino continues Arroyo’s wage policy with measly hikes in S. Mindanao, W. Visayas(Posted July 28, 2010) Retrieved August 2, 2010 from
http://www.kilusangmayouno.org/news/2010/07/aquino-continues-arroyo%E2%80%99s-wage-policy-measly-hikes-s-mindanao-w-visayas

Maliza, Loui, Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro. P13 wage hike to be implemented (Posted July 28, 2010) Retrieved August 2, 2010 from
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/p13-wage-hike-be-implemented

Zaldivar, Jade, Sun.Star Davao. P21 wage hike in Davao approved (Posted July 24, 2010) Retrieved August 2, 2010 from
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/network/p21-wage-hike-davao-approved

DOLE Information and Publication Wage board raises Region 6 minimum wage by P15 (Posted July 26, 2010) Retrieved August 2, 2010 from
http://www.dole.gov.ph/secondpage.php?id=1264

JOB FAIRS AND EVENTS Job World Job Fair Roadshow by Neotrade Enterprises WHEN:August 16-22, 2010 WHERE: Activity Area, Farmers Plaza, Araneta Center, Cubao The 3rd Get A Job Trinoma Jobs Fair by Island Exhibit WHEN: August 25-26, 2010 WHERE: Trinoma Activity Center, Trinoma Mall 13th Metro Job Fair by Adexhibit WHEN: August 26-28, 2010 WHERE: SM Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City

JOB ADS Fortworth, Inc. PCMed Inc. - Field Computer Technicians - Company Driver / Messenger TECHNOKids Philippines - Elementary & High School I.T. Instructors Hansson Paper Phils. Corp. - Accounting Staff Trabaho Client #245 - Accounting Staff - Sales Engineer JRadiance Corporation - Sales Coordinator - Sales Ladies/Promodizer NCH Philippines - Service Technician - Accountant Consultant MORE JOB ADS...

Filipinos Warned Against Blue-Collar Job Offer in China

The Philippine Embassy in Beijing issued a warning against recruiters offering blue-collar jobs in China.

"The Chinese labor market is not yet open for blue-collar Filipino and other foreign workers, thus, offers from recruitment agencies to work in the country as blue-collar workers can be considered human trafficking," Consul General Maria Teresa Almojuela said in a statement released by the Department of Foreign Affair.

The illegal and unauthorized entry of overseas Filipino workers in China will contribute to the growing number of undocumented workers in China, majority of which are from neighboring countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.

In a news item from Beijing daily newspaper Global Times, illegal aliens from neighboring countries stream into the country daily, hoping to find better paying jobs. After becoming familiar with life in China, they encourage their friends and relatives to follow them.

Based on the report on the influx of undocumented workers in China, majority of these workers are found in the East China region and come from South Asia, Southeast Asia and Africa.

Trabaho.com. thanks its following sources:
DFA Public Information Service. RP Embassy In China Warns Against Recruiters Getting Blue-Collar Workers (Posted July 21, 2010) Retrieved August 2, 2010 from
http://www.dfa.gov.ph/main/index.php/public-advisory/1625-rp-embassy-in-china-warns-against-recruiters-getting-blue-collar-workers

del Callar, Michaela, The Daily Tribune. OFWs warned vs recruiters for China blue-collar jobs (Posted July 22, 2010) Retrieved August 2, 2010 from
http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20100722nat5.html

Naval, Gerard, Malaya. Pinoys warned: No blue collar jobs in China (Posted July 22, 2010) Retrieved August 2, 2010 from
http://www.malaya.com.ph/07222010/news7.html

JOB FAIRS AND EVENTS Job World Job Fair Roadshow by Neotrade Enterprises WHEN:August 16-22, 2010 WHERE: Activity Area, Farmers Plaza, Araneta Center, Cubao The 3rd Get A Job Trinoma Jobs Fair by Island Exhibit WHEN: August 25-26, 2010 WHERE: Trinoma Activity Center, Trinoma Mall 13th Metro Job Fair by Adexhibit WHEN: August 26-28, 2010 WHERE: SM Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City

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Companies Inspected on Labor Law Compliance

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has intensified its inspection campaign to make sure that employers are complying with the country’s labor laws.

In a statement, DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said that the intensified inspection program is contained in Administrative Order No. 281, which outlines the implementing guidelines of Project Labor Enforcement and Action Program (LEAP).

According to Sec. Baldoz, Project LEAP is part of DOLE’s share in the reform process of the new administration that aims to protect workers’ rights through the attainment of a culture of compliance with labor laws among establishments nationwide.

Project LEAP will have two phases. Phase one will start from August 2, 2010 until November 30, 2010. The second phase will stretch through the months of February to November 2011. The project will cover all establishments employing 10 to 199 workers. Priority establishments include security agencies, manpower agencies, subcontractors, cooperatives, manufacturing establishments, restaurants, and fast food enterprises. Other establishments other than the said companies will also be inspected but on a non-priority basis.

Priority areas include major cities, urban centers, special economic zones, industrial estates, and other areas having the highest concentration of establishments eligible for inspection.

Among the core labor standards to be inspected are compliance on minimum wage, emergency cost of living allowance (ECOLA), 13th month pay, holiday pay, service incentive leave, overtime pay, night-shift differential, Social Security System (SSS), Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-ibig) and Philhealth contributions.

DOLE aims to inspect at least 35,680 establishments throughout the project’s duration by utilizing all 223 labor and technical safety inspectors in the 16 DOLE Regional Offices nationwide. Each office is tasked to inspect 10 establishments per week.

The Labor chief stressed that the protection of workers’ rights is a primary component of President Benigno Simeon 'Noynoy' Aquino III’s agenda on labor and employment.

Trabaho.com. thanks its following sources:
DOLE Information and Publication Office. Baldoz outlines intensified labor standards enforcement program (Posted July 25, 2010) Retrieved July 26, 2010 from
http://www.dole.gov.ph/secondpage.php?id=1262

Jaymalin, Mayen, The Philippine Star. DOLE to inspect commercial establishments (Posted July 26, 2010) Retrieved July 26, 2010 from
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=596687&publicationSubCategoryId=67

Naval, Gerard, Malaya. DOLE targets 70% compliance with labor laws by all firms (Posted July 26, 2010) Retrieved July 26, 2010 from
http://www.malaya.com.ph/07262010/metro1.html

Jaymalin, Mayen, philstar.com. DOLE intensifies inspection of 35,000 firms (Posted July 25, 2010) Retrieved July 26, 2010 from
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=596595&publicationSubCategoryId=200

Sun.Star Manila. Inspection of labor laws compliance set (Posted July 25, 2010) Retrieved July 26, 2010 from
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/inspection-labor-laws-compliance-set

JOB FAIRS AND EVENTS The 3rd Get A Job Trinoma Jobs Fair by Island Exhibit WHEN: August 25-26, 2010 WHERE: Trinoma Activity Center, Trinoma Mall 13th Metro Job Fair by Adexhibit WHEN: August 26-28, 2010 WHERE: SM Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City

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