Argosy S. Nazareno
BONUSES for JOs & Contractuals
These workers deserves to receive bonuses this Christmas. Employees, both in the Government and Private sector, receive bonuses so how about the Job Order and contractual workers? Sadly, they are always found in the ‘exemptions’ part of every Memorandum or Order.
In 2017, the President granted a gratuity pay which was stated in the Administrative Order No 2 as a “well-deserved recognition of their hard work.” Even without these Administrative orders, Government Employees in other LGUs share their collective bonuses and are divided among the job order workers who has rendered at least six (6) months of service. This gesture amplifies the spirit of Christmas.
Frankly, job order and contract of service workers compose roughly more than half of the total workforce of an LGU. These workers are the ones who usually perform front desk services, clerical and janitorial works. LGUs practice this kind of employment for its constituents but does not even grant daily wages equal or close to the existing minimum wage.
It is enough to say that in upholding social justice, it is the duty and responsibility of the government, specially the LGUs, to protect and secure the rights of these workers and to stop any unjust practices that undermine their welfare. Adding insult to injury, their years of staunch work are not even considered government service. Some even worked for more than twenty years, but because they needed to feed their families, they are getting used to the system and are grateful rather than being unappreciative. It is high time to uphold and respect their labor rights.
Based on Supreme Court’s ruling in its 2005 decision for Alexander Lopez et al., vs. MWSS, “Protection to labor, it has been said, extends to all of labor, local and overseas, organized and unorganized, in the public and private sectors. Besides, there is no reason not to apply this principle in favor of workers in the government. The government, including government-owned and controlled corporations, as employers, should set the example in upholding the rights and interests of the working class.”
This deprived group in the labor sector are the forefront in the delivery of basic services to the Filipinos. It is time for their struggle to be recognized and given sustained attention by the government. It should be the government who stands as a model to all establishments in elevating the rights of the workers.
So altogether, sing… “Kaya’t ibigay n’yo na, ang aming Christmas bonus!”