Press Release - Jinggoy to probe labor violations, abuses of garbage hauler firm

SENATOR Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, Chairperson of the Committee on Labor, has called for an investigation into the alleged labor violations of a garbage hauler firm that services various cities in Metro Manila.

Estrada filed Senate Resolution No. 914 seeking the conduct of an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the reported unscrupulous practices of the International Solid Waste Integrated Management Specialist Inc. (I-SWIMS).

The company has allegedly been circumventing labor laws to avoid responsibility in providing protection and due benefits to its workers mandated by labor laws.

"The situation of garbage collectors in I-SWIMS and similar companies is a matter of concern. It is important to investigate the alleged labor violations and ensure that the workers are not being exploited. The workers deserve to be treated fairly and provided with the necessary protection and benefits as mandated by law," Estrada said.

Based on the complaints lodged before Estrada's office by more than 70 garbage collectors who have been with the company for almost four years now as mere "volunteers," they are made to work for at least 18 hours daily, from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The garbage collectors claimed that they have only been receiving P250 to P300 daily, or below the prescribed rate of P573 to P610 for Metro Manila workers.

Despite the long hours of work, they claimed that they are not paid with overtime pay and night shift differential, are not given rest days, and are even required to work during holidays without the corresponding holiday pay.

Estrada was also told that the garbage collectors are not provided with social protection benefits, such as coverage of Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Home Development Mutual Fund (PagIBIG Fund).

I-SWIMS also purportedly does not provide them with any protective gear such as gloves, hats, boots, or raincoats to protect them from outdoor conditions and from the hazards of handling waste materials.

"According to them, several garbage collectors have died from illnesses like leptospirosis, and the company does not provide any assistance for injury, sickness, or death," Estrada said.

Th