WITH only more than two weeks before Filipinos welcome the New Year, 22 establishments engaged in manufacture and sale of pyrotechnics and firecrackers in Bulacan continue to be under the Work Stoppage Order (WSO) issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Based on the latest figure of the DOLE, 22 establishments in Bulacan have yet to get the required clearance to be able to operate again.
“Establishments with noted deficiencies with general labor standards and other labor laws, rules, and regulations are required to rectify the same,” said Bello in an order.
It was back in November 24 when Bello issued a Work Stoppage Order to all establishments engaged in the manufacture and sale of pyrotechnics and firecrackers nationwide.
This was after a series of explosions in fireworks shops in Bulacan that has killed five people and injured 30 others.
Last week, 48 out of the 88 establishments in Bulacan already got the clearance to resume their operations.
The Order, though, pointed that 18 more establishments have now been given clearance to resume their operations.
“The DOLE Regional Office No. III ascertains their compliance with general labor standards, occupational safety and health standards and other pertinent labor laws, rules, and regulations,” said Bello in a six-page order.
“The Work Stoppage Order is hereby lifted for the following establishments,” he furthered.
The clearance was issued after the 18 have managed to comply with the requirements needed to recommend the lifting of the work stoppage order.
Of the 88 establishments in Bulacan, DOLE records indicate that 24 are in manufacturing; while 64 are in retail/selling firecrackers and pyrotechnics. (HFT/Sunnex)