CATBALOGAN, Samar
–
Industrial peace and occupational safety standards are considered top
priority in the workplace.
This was stressed by
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Director Forter
Puguon as he conferred with some 25 employers in Catbalogan town
recently.
According to Puguon in
the Employers Forum held at the Cocina de Cabral, industrial peace is
meant to preserve peace in the workplace. It could mean, he said that
the employees are satisfied with their wages and benefits. If the
employee is not, it could spell trouble because he might be restless
and demand full implementation of labor standards. If the employer
does not recognize this, tension could rise and peace is disrupted.
This tension, he added can be solved by a peaceful and reasonable
compromise, if it fails, the establishment could close shop and the
workers lose jobs.
On the other hand,
occupational safety standards, said the director are basic
requirements to be met to ensure that a few or no accidents occur in
the workplace. Better productivity is seen when work is not disrupted,
he said.
He cited the provision
of proper lighting and ventilation; if the place he said is not
properly lighted, employees may trip or slide that may cause them
injuries, miss work and the whole entity’s productivity is affected.
When employers observe
proper occupational health standards, significant returns are
attained, the youthful director reminded Catbalogan’s employers.
In a related
development, DOLE’s field office representative Fe Estrella told PIA
that worst cases relayed to DOLE includes non payment of wages. The
problem is easily resolved with DOLEs intervention.
Puguon said that DOLE
conducts the Employers Forum yearly so that the employers may learn,
appreciate and comply with the laws governing workers. He acknowledged
the response from the employers who took time out from their schedules
to attend the forum, he also informed them that they are considered
the backbone of the economy. The President of Catbalogan’s Chamber of
Commerce, Dr. Beng Baillo also expressed in agreement that they too
have benefited from the forum.
Other topics discussed
include Workers Rights and Obligations, Management Prerogatives and
Responsibilities, National labor Standards Framework and Anti-Sexual
Harassment Law. The DOLE team composed of Dir. Puguon, Ms. Fe Norma
Valuis and Maritess Vinas proceeded to
Calbayog City
for the same forum.
