Call center complaints

We received several complaints from call center employees, both active and resigned about the hard working conditions in the industry.

We have therefore written to Sen. Jinggoy Estrada as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor and Employment to conduct an inquiry on the matter.

The following are the list of complaints we received:

1. Low salaries of P15,000 compared to P25,000 in Singapore.

2. Long working hours of 12 hours straight with only a 15 minute break.

3. Low 10 % night differential pay.

4. Mandatory requirement to work on holidays including Christmas, New Year and Holy Week.

5. Prohibition against joining labor unions in violation of labor laws.

6. Inadequate healthcare facilities and coverage resulting in a high incidence of pneumonia, heart, lung, UTI, and other ailments.

  It is to be noted too that call center jobs are high risk job because of the night to morning work schedule. There have been several documented cases of call center employees being held up on their way to and from work.

  The Philippines is the call center capital of the world both in terms of revenue and manpower. Our call center employees contribute greatly to our economy. Surely they need the support and protection of government. The Senate, by appropriate legislation, should take the lead in providing the same.

  The Department of Labor is also asked to look into this matter.

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HARD TO BE A TEACHER . .  Another teacher was kidnapped in Zamboanga City. Marilou Albaez, Principal of Imelda Elementary School in Longos, Malabon reports that teacher Janelyn Blancaflor lost her bag to motorcycle riding robbers as she walked home outside the school.

Albaez said that this is not the first time that the teachers and students are robbed outside the school gates.

Teachers in Basilan and Zamboanga, Sibugay are under constant threat of kidnapping, gang raped and killed.

A Division Superintendent and his Assistant died in boat accident in Romblon.

Hazard pay should be given or increased to the teachers in Mindanao and other insurgency areas.   

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UNEMPLOYMENT UP . .  SWS latest survey showed a big jump in unemployment from 26.6 % to 29.4 % or 11.7 million Filipinos.

The SWS said its figures are based on the traditional definition of unemployment as being without a job and also looking for a job. The jobless who are not looking for a job like housewives are excluded.

It is noted that the official government unemployment figure is only 7 %.

The SWS survey showed that 13 % of the unemployed were those who lost their jobs. 12 % were those who resigned and 5 % are first time job seekers.

The SWS surveys validate ADB and UN findings that the government’s anti poverty programs are not generating jobs. In his last SONA, President Aquino said that the Administration created 1.1 million jobs in 2011.

UP Professors, World Bank and ADB have recommended that the government’s budget for infrastructure and public works be tripled to create more jobs. More support for Agriculture is needed to create rural jobs. Small business assistance should also be increased.

More incentives should be extended to the private sector to create jobs.

Surveys show that lack of jobs is the no.1 problem of the country.

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POLITICIANS INVOLVED . .  A total of 53 politicians were involved in illegal drug activities according to Gen. Arturo Cacdac, PDEA Director General.

The list includes a former Congressman, a former Mayor and many Barangay Chairmen.

Cacdac said that cases have been filed against the 53 alleged drug pushers.

House Minority leader Danilo Suarez will file a resolution to investigate charges of narco-politics in the elections. He said that he will invite Cacdac to explain.

The NBI filed criminal charges against 18 PDEA personnel headed by the exPDEA Chief Jose Gutierrez. 

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BUSINESS FOR RH BILL . .  Big business groups signed a manifesto of support for family planning programs aimed at advancing “The reproductive rights of poor women.”

The six groups are the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Employer’s Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Makati Business Club (MBC), Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), Financial Executives of the Philippines (FINEX) and Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP).

The business groups responded to a challenge of the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA).

Notwithstanding this support, the RH bill is not moving in the House of Representatives due to quorum problems. In the Senate, it is stalled by the opposition of several senators.

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POLITICAL UPDATE . .  Congw. Marilyn Primicias Agabas (Pangasinan, 6th district) is also running unopposed.

Urdaneta city mayor Amado Perez IV is also unopposed. For 2 years in a row, Urdaneta was awarded as the cleanest, greenest and safety city in Region I Bayambang Mayor Ricardo Camacho is also unopposed.

Rosemarie “Baby” Arenas organized a surprise birthday party last Thursday for her daughter Rep. Rachel Arenas.

Gov. Amado Espino, Jr. and Vice Gov. Ferdinand Calimlim led the 3,000 guests together with Congresswomen Gina de Venecia, Marilyn P. Agabas, Cutie del Mar, Amelita Villarosa, Cynthia Villar and Emmy de Jesus. All the Barangay Chairman of the 3rd district of Pangasinan and teachers were present. 

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T I D B I TS . . .  President Aquino said yesterday that Director General Nicanor Bartolome is effectively now on terminal leave.

Bartolome retires on March 16 but up to now has not formally filed an application for terminal leave.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile is in favor of the FOI bill hits House reaction on the bill.

Cong. Manny Pacquiao gifted 268 members of Congress with pricy Techno Marine watches. Total bill P 8 million.

Veteran Columnist Emil Jurado said that the new airport will be built in Kawit, Cavite.