Lawmakers seek fixed wages for bus drivers

MANILA, Philippines - Two congressmen advocated yesterday the grant of fixed wages instead of commissions to bus drivers and conductors.

In a bill entitled, “Bus Drivers’ and Conductors’ Compensation Act,” Reps. Teodoro Casino of Bayan Muna and Rafael Mariano of Anakpawis said their proposal could be the solution to traffic jams and frequent accidents caused by passenger buses.

They said the industry practice of compensating drivers and conductors with commissions is the culprit in many road accidents.

“It fosters fierce competition among bus drivers, with each trying to outdo and outflank the other on the road in getting more passengers, causing accidents in the process,” they said.

They said many accidents involve “tired and sleepy bus drivers who are forced to work for 16-20 hours straight.”

The two cited data gathered by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, which reported 4,325 bus accidents in the metropolis in 2008, or an average of 13 accidents a day.

Under their bill, bus drivers and conductors would be entitled to receive minimum wage and other benefits and incentives provided by law.

They would work for eight hours, including a one-hour rest period. Bus company owners would be required to have two shifts of drivers and conductors so as not to compromise the safety of their personnel and their passengers.

At present, bus operators give drivers and conductors commissions of nine percent and seven percent, respectively, based on their gross fare collection, provided that they meet a certain quota.

Those who do not meet the quota get lower commissions and are made to shoulder half the cost of fuel.

There have been similar proposals in Congress for giving bus drivers and conductors fixed salaries, but bus owners and operators have successfully lobbied against the approval of these measures.

The lawmakers said the bus owners are avoiding not the payment of wages but of the benefits their drivers and conductors would be entitled to if they become regular employees.

Casino estimated that a commission-paid driver earning P900 a day for 12 hours and working three days a week would receive the same income if he gets minimum wage for eight hours for six days a week.

He said the key to good driving habits and ensuring passenger safety lies in improving and terms and working conditions of drivers and conductors.