DOLE to inspect implementation of drivers' fixed salaries

By Alicia E. Nicart

Saturday 7th of July 2012

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, July 7 (PIA) --The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said their office will monitor if bus operators in the province are implementing DOLE’s department order (DO) in the fixed salaries for their drivers.

Marlon Arago of the DOLE provincial office said that DOLE’s DO No. 118-12 rules that bus companies will have to provide their drivers general labor standards similar to the workers of private companies.

Under the DO. 118-12, bus drivers would now be receiving fixed salaries that is not lower than the approved minimum wage. They will now be enrolled also with PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG and the Social Security System, notwithstanding the overtime pay they should receive for working beyond eight hours and during holidays.

Arago added that minimum wage vary from P222 a day for a company with less than 10 employees and P253.00 for a company with more than 10 employees.

Arago said the franchise to operate their buses might not be renewed by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in addition to the clearance that operators have to seek from DOLE if the bus company fails to comply with the directive.

DOLE’s order aims to minimize accidents particularly in Metro Manila where most bus accidents are caused by drivers who are always in a rush in order earn beyond their quota.

In the province, air conditioned shuttle vans are the most common public transportation. DOLE said the drivers’ benefits of this transport service are under study. (PIA-8 Eastern Samar/aen)