Bus operators say DOLE order is discriminating

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Provincial Bus Operators Association (CPBOA) said the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) order giving fixed salaries to drivers and conductors is “discriminating” to bus operators because it exempts mini-buses.

CPBOA President Richard Corominas asked the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) about the exclusion of the mini-bus drivers in the said order which he finds discriminating.

LTFRB Regional Director Ahmed Cuizon clarified that the order by DOLE and LTFRB is not discriminating but instead, is “pioneering.”

Cuizon said that they just started with the buses for them to see the result of the said order. Later on, they will also be applying this to others. The LTFRB will be able to check if the bus operators comply with DOLE’s requirement starting on July 30 based on the Memorandum Circular No. 2012-001 or the Labor Standards Compliance Certificate.

Under the department order, all drivers and conductors of the public utility bus transport industry will be considered formal regular workers. Having the status would allow them to secure protection and welfare under the Labor Code.

The new regulation to be implemented by DOLE aims to improve the status of drivers and conductors as formal employees by giving them various benefits. Among the benefits are wages not lower than the applicable minimum wage rate, 12 regular holidays with pay, one rest day a week, overtime pay, night shift pay and 13th month pay.

The drivers and conductors are also entitled to the normal eight hours of work a day, right to security of tenure, right to self organization and collective bargaining, and access to social welfare benefits including Social Security System, Philhealth, and Pagibig.

Violation of the new regulation will be penalized and DOLE, in coordination with LTFRB will determine appropriate action including the possible cancellation of franchise. — (FREEMAN)