Workers should also mind work safety, not just wages

A high-ranking official of the Department of Labor and Employment said that workers should not only demand for wage increase but also for the need to take a look at their occupational safety and health.

In her speech during the Labor Day celebration held yesterday at the University of San Carlos-North Campus gym, Bureau of Working Conditions Director Brenda Villafuerte said about 2.2 million workers around the world die in the workplace every year.

"With that, this coming June 15, DOLE will launch a massive inspection drive to workplaces nationwide. This will include not only offices and factories, but also construction places wherein a lot of construction workers are put much into danger," Villafuerte said.

Villafuerte pointed out the need for every worker to understand his or her role in the workplace and recognize the sacrifices and efforts their jobs need.

"The secret to progress of a company, factory or office is unity between the workers and the capitalists… the company and the workers have a shared responsibility towards each other," Villafuerte, a native of Balamban town, further said.

Over 4,000 participants from the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council of the cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue and Talisay, together with the Labor Tripartite Industrial Peace Council and Regional Coordinating Council joined the Labor Day celebration parade that started around 5 a.m.

Of the four city mayors invited to the affair, only acting Mandaue Mayor Amadeo Seno, Jr. attended the activity.

Meanwhile, as early as 6 a.m. more than 6,000 people went to job fairs held at the Capitol grounds and Cebu City Sports Center hosted by the city government in coordination with DOLE.

Participating companies for local employment included Teletech, E-telecare, Waterfront Hotel, Kentucky Fried Chicken and SM department store.

Also, a medical and dental mission was by the Southwestern University at the USC-North Campus quadrangle. Free medical and dental check-ups were offered to all participants and guests of the said event.

The job fairs and medical mission concluded at 5 p.m. — Cristina V. Roso and Mary Gold Sagarino /BRP