MANILA, Philippines — Senator Rafael “Raffy” Tulfo on Wednesday told the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to post signages in all workplaces informing workers of their minimum wages and benefits.
According to Tulfo, during a Senate hearing on wages conducted by the Senate committee on labor, employment, and human resources development, signages should be posted to ensure that all workers know their benefits and minimum wage.
“DOLE, maglagay po kayo ng karatula sa bawat workplace at doon sa karatulang ‘yon nakikita po ng manggagawa kung magkano ang minimum wage sa lugar na ‘yon,” said Tulfo.
(DOLE, put a sign in every workplace that shows workers the minimum wage of that place.)
“Kasi marami po sa manggagawa hindi alam nila kung ano ‘yung minimum wage, kung ano ‘yung benefits nila. Dapat po may malaking karatula [at] pagpasok pa lang ng manggagawa nasa lugar na iyon kung ano ‘yung kanilang maaasahan na minimum wage [at] benepisyo,” he added.
(Because many of the workers do not know what their minimum wage is or what their benefits are. There should be a big sign, and as soon as workers enter, they should see the minimum wage and benefits they can expect.)
The signage should also include DOLE’s hotline to allow workers to report their respective employers if they are not following the required minimum wage or benefits.
Tulfo said he had already given similar suggestions to DOLE even when he was still a broadcaster but faced excuses like lack of manpower which held the agency back from implementing such programs.
“Eh ‘di kumuha po tayo ng call centers, mag-outsource tayo … para ma-accommodate lahat ng tatawag,” said Tulfo.
(Then let’s hire call centers, let’s outsource… to accommodate everyone who calls.)
The agency may expect hundreds of callers, as Tulfo said that his action center alone receives the same number daily, the majority of which involve complaints on wages.
“Mag-hire tayo ng call center, at ‘yung call center ibabato sa task force,” said Tulfo.
(Let’s hire call centers, then the call center will send it to the task force.)
As defined by DOLE, the minimum wage is the lowest wage rate an employer is required to pay its workers.
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