FFW: 23M workers still under ‘endo’

ALTHOUGH the underemployment numbers are showing some improvement, some 23 million workers remain under contractual employment schemes, according to the Federation of Free Workers (FFW).

In a statement, the FFW said it is unfortunate that millions of workers remain insecure with their employment as they are still among those with “endo” jobs.

“Estimates show that, in the private sector, more than 23 million workers are employed on a contractual basis, including ‘endo’, ‘555’, or those supplied by manpower agencies and cooperatives,” said FFW.

“Observations by FFW local unions show that precarious employment practices are still particularly widespread in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon,” it added.

Contractualization is defined as the situation where a company hires workers on fixed-term contracts instead of being hired as regular employees.

“Endo” is a form of contractualization, which involves companies giving workers temporary employment that lasts for less than six months.

The labor group said it only proves the Duterte administration was a failure when it comes to its campaign promise of ending “endo.”

“Contractualization remains rampant and President Duterte was a failure in fulfilling this campaign promise,” it said.

The group called on the Marcos administration to revive the fight against contractualization in the country.

“We call on the Marcos administration to address the continuing and long-standing concern of contractualization and the need to improve job security across the nation,” said FFW.