June Aster owner probed for labor law violations

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is investigating the owner and operator of the ferry M/V June Aster for possible violations of labor and occupational safety regulations.

Data presented by DOLE-Mimaropa inspector Emmanuel Antonio Portugal Jr. include unpaid wages, holiday pays, premiums for special days and rest days, night shift differentials and leave incentives as among the possible violations.

Dindo Macalinao – human resource officer of Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc., operator of the June Aster – acknowledged that some workers were underpaid, but added that the company would verify figures presented by the labor department.

The DOLE said the company is allegedly not complying with occupational safety and health standards, and lacks workplace safety programs, emergency response measures, safety committees and trained safety officers.

Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said the inquiry would determine whether labor and safety standards were in place when the June Aster caught fire as it was sailing in the waters off Coron, Palawan last month.

Tolentino said a work stoppage would  be ordered if the company is found to be not complying with safety requirements.