Food sector must treat seniors fairly, Labor dep’t says
THE Labor department yesterday asked employers to follow the law when hiring senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWD).
The government supports the recent surge in establishments especially in the food industry hiring seniors, but companies must “provide their senior citizens and differently abled workers with equal wages and benefits,” the agency said in a statement.
“We noticed this good development in companies that employ senior citizens and PWDs because of the intensified advocacy of the government,” Labor Assistant Secretary Benjo Santos M. Benavidez said. “However, we would like to remind them that these senior citizens and PWD workers are also entitled to equal wages and opportunities in the workplace.”
The Magna Carta for Disabled Persons states that qualified people with disabilities must enjoy the same terms and conditions of employment, and the same compensation, benefits and incentives as a qualified able-bodied worker.
Anti-Age Discrimination in Employment Act provides that the state should promote the rights of all employees and workers, regardless of age, to be treated equally.
The Labor department said the four-hour work scheme in fast-food establishments should entitle senior employees a minimum wage, while they should get an overtime pay if they work for the standard eight hours. — Gillian M. Cortez
