The NAGKAISA Labor Coalition, the biggest labor formation in the country today, expresses its deep condolences on Friday for the 15 lives lost in the tragic fire incident at a sweatshop t-shirt factory in Quezon City. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the regulatory shortcomings exhibited by concerned agencies in upholding occupational health and safety standards (OSHS). This neglect persists despite the painful lessons learned from the tragic Kentex fire, which claimed the lives of 74 workers back in 2015.
"We stand in solidarity with the families affected by this recent workplace catastrophe. The victims not only deserve justice, but they are also entitled to rightful compensation. Accountability rests not just on the DOLE, DILG, and the relevant LGU, but on their collective responsibility to prevent such tragedies through effective regulatory and enforcement measures pertaining to safety and labor standards," remarked NAGKAISA Chair Sonny Matula.
NAGKAISA recalled that the aftermath of the Kentex incident prompted DOLE to initiate OSHS training and the deputation of trade union leaders as labor inspectors. This initiative extended beyond OSHS, encompassing a comprehensive inspection checklist targeting wage violations, benefit infringements, and the contentious practice of contractualization.
"The temporary setback due to budget constraints should not have obstructed DOLE's mission. Even without the deputation program, they have the means to collaborate closely with DILG and LGUs, which possess personnel capable of conducting regular inspections and ensuring adherence to pertinent laws on the ground," asserted Matula. He further emphasized that the resolution for sweatshops goes beyond relocating them; it necessitates a fundamental shift in their operational paradigm, aligning them unequivocally with labor statutes.
NAGKAISA underlines the imperative for further Congressional action in response to this tragic event. The objective is twofold: holding the responsible parties accountable and devising innovative strategies to bolster OSH enforcement and labor standards at the grassroots level, even down to the barangay level.
Furthermore, NAGKAISA calls on the DOLE to intensify its inspection initiatives under its visitorial power to workplaces. It points to the provisions of RA 11058, wherein the Secretary of DOLE is empowered and duty-bound to conduct inspections and even has the authority to halt work or suspend operations of any establishment with violations posing grave danger to workers.
Non-compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards can lead to administrative fines up to P100,000 per day until the violation is rectified.
NAGKAISA calls on a thorough investigation on this incident.
The biggest labor coalition expresses deep concern over the newsreport indicating that the local government unit permitted the hazardous business to continue operations and granted an extension until April 2024 for relocation.
If these reports are accurate, the officials responsible for granting such an extension may be held accountable for multiple counts of violation of Sections 3(e) and 3(j) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, as well as Reckless Imprudence resulting in multiple homicides and multiple physical injuries stemming from this incident. The NAGKAISA Labor Coalition, the biggest labor formation in the country today, expresses its deep condolences on Friday for the 15 lives lost in the tragic fire incident at a sweatshop t-shirt factory in Quezon City. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the regulatory shortcomings exhibited by concerned agencies in upholding occupational health and safety standards (OSHS). This neglect persists despite the painful lessons learned from the tragic Kentex fire, which claimed the lives of 74 workers back in 2015.
"We stand in solidarity with the families affected by this recent workplace catastrophe. The victims not only deserve justice, but they are also entitled to rightful compensation. Accountability rests not just on the DOLE, DILG, and the relevant LGU, but on their collective responsibility to prevent such tragedies through effective regulatory and enforcement measures pertaining to safety and labor standards," remarked NAGKAISA Chair Sonny Matula.
NAGKAISA recalled that the aftermath of the Kentex incident prompted DOLE to initiate OSHS training and the deputation of trade union leaders as labor inspectors. This initiative extended beyond OSHS, encompassing a comprehensive inspection checklist targeting wage violations, benefit infringements, and the contentious practice of contractualization.
"The temporary setback due to budget constraints should not have obstructed DOLE's mission. Even without the deputation program, they have the means to collaborate closely with DILG and LGUs, which possess personnel capable of conducting regular inspections and ensuring adherence to pertinent laws on the ground," asserted Matula. He further emphasized that the resolution for sweatshops goes beyond relocating them; it necessitates a fundamental shift in their operational paradigm, aligning them unequivocally with labor statutes.
NAGKAISA underlines the imperative for further Congressional action in response to this tragic event. The objective is twofold: holding the responsible parties accountable and devising innovative strategies to bolster OSH enforcement and labor standards at the grassroots level, even down to the barangay level.
Furthermore, NAGKAISA calls on the DOLE to intensify its inspection initiatives under its visitorial power to workplaces. It points to the provisions of RA 11058, wherein the Secretary of DOLE is empowered and duty-bound to conduct inspections and even has the authority to halt work or suspend operations of any establishment with violations posing grave danger to workers.
Non-compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards can lead to administrative fines up to P100,000 per day until the violation is rectified.
NAGKAISA calls on a thorough investigation on this incident.
The biggest labor coalition expresses deep concern over the newsreport indicating that the local government unit permitted the hazardous business to continue operations and granted an extension until April 2024 for relocation.
If these reports are accurate, the officials responsible for granting such an extension may be held accountable for multiple counts of violation of Sections 3(e) and 3(j) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, as well as Reckless Imprudence resulting in multiple homicides and multiple physical injuries stemming from this incident.
