DoLE urged to tackle plight of contractual workers in labor plan
THE GOVERNMENT’S employment plan should include measures to address the plight of contractual workers, skill mismatch and the issue of a living wage, according to a labor group.
“The plan is a dynamic and ongoing project,” Federation of Free Workers President Jose “Sonny” G. Matula said in a Viber message at the weekend, citing Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) consultations with labor groups and employers.
“While it is comprehensive, we acknowledge its evolutionary nature, allowing for continual refinement through constant consultation on the details and collaboration with our relevant stakeholders,” he added.
Last week, Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma said his agency was finalizing the labor roadmap before it presents it to the Cabinet in the coming weeks.
He said his agency would consult representatives from labor, employers and government agencies that will implement the roadmap.
The employment plan aims to upgrade worker skills, raise the quality of teachers and modernize training institutions, Mr. Laguesma told an employer conference last month. It also details a protection program for employees.
Mr. Matula urged workers and trade unions to participate in the consultations to help the Labor department craft a complete employment plan.
“The organization strongly believes that their voices and insights are invaluable in addressing critical issues like unemployment and underemployment,” he said.
The Philippines’ jobless rate eased to 4.3% in May, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. Job quality improved as the underemployment rate, which measures those employed who are seeking more work or longer hours, decreased to 11.7% from 12.9% a month earlier and 14.5% in May 2022.
Last week, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in his second address to Congress urged government agencies to continue coming up with measures to improve the employability of Filipinos.
“The bane of the mismatch between jobs and skills among our workforce is being rectified through strengthened government-industry-labor-academe partnerships, and continuous reskilling and upskilling training programs,” he said.
Mr. Laguesma last week vowed to continue improving upskilling programs with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
“We hope to make this plan a significant step forward in the country›s endeavor to balance labor and employment practices,” Mr. Matula said. — John Victor D. Ordoñez
