THE House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on third and final reading the measure seeking to strengthen the security of tenure of workers in the private sector.
With 204 affirmative votes, seven negative, and three abstentions, the chamber approved House Bill 7036, or the proposed “Security of Tenure Act.”
The measure aims to prohibit labor-only contracting, which occurs when any of these conditions is present:
* The contractor does not have substantial capital or investment in the form of tools, equipment, machineries, work premises, among others;
* The contractor has no control over the workers’ methods and means of accomplishing their work; or
* The contractor’s workers are performing activities which are directly related to the principal business of the employer.
It also introduces a new provision that requires all persons or entities doing business as job contractors to get a license from the Department of Labor and Employment.
The measure likewise provides that a dismissal without just or authorized cause or without observance of procedural due process is illegal, and those who were illegally dismissed are entitled to immediate reinstatement, and full backwages and accrued benefits.
It also mandates that the rights and benefits of relievers, project and seasonal employees be at par with those of regular employees. (GMA News)
