When employers use tricks
Accusations common to avoid payment of dues
Filipino workers continue to face problems as employers allegedly make up stories to avoid the payment of indemnity and other benefits accumulated during their tenure.
Workers in the services sector such as food servers, salespersons and cashiers especially are facing problems because the employers are reluctant to let them go – with their dues.
Often they accuse their workers of embezzlement or petty thefts from the establishments. Then they call the authorities who pick up the workers their place of work for deportation. The workers have little chance to prove their innocence.
When employers use tricks
Accusations common to avoid payment of dues
Filipino workers continue to face problems as employers allegedly make up stories to avoid the payment of indemnity and other benefits accumulated during their tenure.
Workers in the services sector such as food servers, salespersons and cashiers especially are facing problems because the employers are reluctant to let them go – with their dues.
Often they accuse their workers of embezzlement or petty thefts from the establishments. Then they call the authorities who pick up the workers their place of work for deportation. The workers have little chance to prove their innocence.
“Employers do it, especially smaller companies that cannot afford big payouts in one go. It is unfortunate that some go as far as accusing their staff of stealing, for example, to avoid the payment of the dues,” Labour Attaché at the Philippine embassy, Alejandro Santos, said.
Agustin “Loi” Borja, a runaway, is embroiled in a dispute with his employer over the release of his passport and the payment of overtime and indemnity.
In desperation, his colleagues had in the past signed agreements forced upon them by employers, giving up their claims.
Others were manipulated into signing documents admitting the accusations so that the employer could sack them.
“Alarmingly, it is the same people who have worked in the country for years and are too afraid to fight for their rights.
“Withholding passports is tantamount to blackmailing so that the workers cannot go home even though they have completed the minimum two-year contract.
“It is the employer’s obligation to provide an air ticket to his/her worker if the latter is not interested in renewing the contract and wishes to go home.
“The employer is also under obligation to allow the worker to go on vacation if a contract is renewed,” Santos said.
Article 111 of the bylaws of the Ministry of Labour stipulates that a worker is entitled to a month’s wage for each year of service. The worker should also be paid all the dues including overtime and wages for paid holidays and unused leave.
Ayla Marisse G Ginete
Article from: Bahrain Tribune Newspaper- www.BahrainTribune.com