PNA News: DOLE ensures regularized workers in sci-tech firms in CALABARZON

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna - Some 750 workers in various technology firms in CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) region will soon get their regular employment status after their employers were found to be violating the right of workers to security of tenure. In separate compliance orders issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office 4A (CALABARZON), three advanced technology companies based in Laguna – Cirtek Advanced Technologies Solutions Inc., Du Pont Far East Inc., and Fuji Electric Philippines Inc.-- were directed to regularize a total of 737 workers after they were proven to be engaged in labor-only contracting activities. According to the DOLE, the companies’ violations were noted following a series of inspection by compliance officers last year. Some of the violations include lack of substantial capital on the part of the contractors as the employees use the principal’s equipment and tools in the actual performance of their outsourced services. The principals also exercise control and full authority in the performance of work of the deployed workers, who work alongside regular employees of the principals and performing the same functions that are directly related to the main businesses. Other findings include the non-compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Standards as the three principals do not have valid permits to operate mechanical and electrical equipment. Cirtek and Fuji Electric also do not have valid fire safety inspection certificates. Cirtek is a manufacturing solutions partner for telecommunications, satellite communications, and semiconductor test boards while the Du Pont is a science-driven innovation firm that repackages fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides. Fuji Electric is a Japanese electronic firm engaged in the manufacture of power semiconductors and other essential electronic devices in the fields of industrial equipment, automobiles, information equipment, and new energy. Also, DOLE has ordered the Viewers Mobile Inc., a mobile provider based in Lucena City, Quezon to settle unpaid benefits to its workers after it was found to be violating general labor standards of non-payment of workers statutory benefits based on LLCO’s assessments. (PR)