No formal stand yet from bus operators

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu’s bus operators failed to come up with a resolution during their meeting yesterday on their opposition to the recent requirement of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board for them to submit a “Labor Standards Compliance Certificate”.

The certificate would prove that they have complied with the new LTFRB policy to give their bus drivers and conductors a mandatory compensation including overtime pay, night shift differential, rest day, holiday, birthday and service incentive leave pays.

The circular was approved last January 4, 2012 by LTFRB Chairman Jaime Jacob, board members Manuel Iway and Samuel Julius Garcia and attested by executive director Franciso Mendoza. It will take effect on January 20, 2012.

 Julito Flores, president of the Cebu South Mini-Bus Operators Association, said that bus operators had a meeting yesterday but were not able to make a formal stand yet because they have no copy of the said circular.

Flores said that Cebu’s bus operators are opposed to the policy, which they said was made without consultation with people affected.

They may seek legal action by filing a temporary restraining order to halt the implementation of the circular.

The circular gives bus operators until July 30 to secure and submit to the LTFRB board the required certificate from the labor department. Their failure to submit the document would be a ground for the immediate cancellation or revocation of their franchise. Also, they won’t be able to apply for new certificates of public convenience or renew their existing ones.

The circular further entitles all bus drivers and conductors to retirement benefits and all mandatory social security benefits such as membership in the SSS, Philhealth and Pag-ibig.

 The Board said that the circular is being issued to ensure road transport safety. They have come up with the policy after a rapid survey by the labor department showing the state of working conditions of bus drivers and conductors.

The survey results, as validated by a series of discussions with bus operators, drivers, government regulating agencies and experts from the academe in the fields of engineering and traffic psychology, indicate that the risk taking behavior of drivers is associated with the lack of proper training on motor skills, safety and on traffic rules and regulations, poor health due to long work hours and exposure to health hazards and lack of income security under a purely commission-based compensation scheme. – (FREEMAN)