LAWMAKERS belonging to the Makabayan bloc have called for a House inquiry into the reported violations of workers' rights by condiments giant NutriAsia Incorporated.
In Resolution No. 1974, the Makabayan bloc said the 1987 Constitution provides that the State should protect the rights of the workers and promote their welfare.
Article XIII Section 3 of the 1987 Constitution also provides that "workers shall be entitled to security of tenure, humane condition of work and a living wage," added the solons.
According to the Makabayan bloc, NutriAsia owned by Filipino-Chinese tycoon Joselito Campos should be investigated "in order to review current contractualization and labor laws and assess its practical application in safeguarding workers' rights."
Nutriasia workers went on stike in Marilao, Bulacan on June 2 to protest the alleged illegal dismissal of their five union leaders. The protest has led to the termination of about 50 more workers.
Aside from their workers' alleged illegal dismissal, NutriAsia employees also condemned the contractualization, low wages and the unhealthy working conditions inside the NutriAsia factory.
Only 100 among the 1,500 employees in NutriAsia are regular employees.
According to the Makabayan bloc, NutriAsia workers are also deprived of several benefits, such as employer contributions to the Social Security System and Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG).
The firm, as stated by the lawmakers, has also failed to comply with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) compliance order which directed it to give regular employment status to 914 workers.
The Makabayan bloc lamented that the NutriAsia workers never received any favorable response, instead the Bulacan police violently dispersed them last June 15.
The dispersal led to the arrest of more than 20 protesters has left at least 10 wounded.
Nutriasia products include, among others, Datu Puti, UFC, Papa, Mang Tomas, Jufran and Golden Fiesta.
Signatories to the resolution are ACT Teachers Representatives Antonio Tinio and France Castro, Gabriela Reps. Emmi de Jesus and Arlene Brosas, Kabataan Rep. Sarah Elago, Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate. (Keith A. Calayag/SunStar Philippines)