A LABOR representative has asked the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) in Western Visayas to make an impact evaluation on the economic situation of the workers who returned to work under the “new normal.”
Wennie Sancho, during the teleconference with other members of RTWPB-Western Visayas on Tuesday, May 19, raised to the body that the same evaluation shall be conducted on the management.
Sancho, also the secretary general of General Alliance of Workers Associations (Gawa), said this is in consideration to the altered working environment with 50 to 70 percent operational capacity and its effects on the sustainability of their business vis-a-vis the assurance of their workers’ continuity of employment.
The labor leader raised questions on the types of flexible working arrangements applied under the new normal, how many workers were retained in the region, and what support will the government give to those who have not been recalled to their work.
The Negros Occidental-based labor group earlier expressed apprehension that the “new normal” is a difficult time for the workers.
For its members, this is merely a respite from all the mental stress and anxiety during the “lockdown” as more economic sacrifices are yet to come under the “new normal.”
During the teleconference, Sancho also raised to the Wage Board that wage subsidies should be operationalized to support both labor and management.
He pointed out that government vehicles should be utilized to transport workers to their workplaces if their employers cannot afford to hire a shuttle bus or vehicles for them.
“Tripartite consultations should be conducted by the National Wages and Productivity Commission in order to revise programs and enable the Regional Wage Board to make interventions in our fight against coronavirus disease and its impact on wage and productivity,” Sancho added.