Many young professionals think they have no workplace rights until they become regular employees. But is this true under Philippine labor law?
In a recent episode of “CIA with BA”, during the Tanong ng Pilipino segment, a fresh graduate named Luis from Sta. Mesa, Manila asked:
“Bagong graduate ako at first job ko itong trabaho ko ngayon. Totoo bang wala akong karapatang magsumbong sa DOLE kung hindi pa ako regular?”
“Hindi po totoo na porke hindi kayo regular, hindi na kayo pwedeng magsumbong sa DOLE,” replied Atty. Marian Cayetano.
She explained that all employees, even if they’re not regular yet, are still protected by law: “Para mas malinaw, lahat ng manggagawa, whether regular o hindi regular, may mga karapatan pong protektado ng ating batas.”
These rights include proper pay, overtime compensation, safety and protection from discrimination or harassment. “Isa sa mga karapatan na ‘to, of course, ‘yung tamang pagpapasweldo, or dapat nababayaran sila ng OT (overtime), or hindi sila pwedeng madiskrimina o ma-harass sa kanilang trabaho, or dapat safe and healthy ‘yung working environment nila,” she said.
She also reminded new workers that they are not helpless.
“So ‘pag ganon po, hindi po ibig sabihin na [kapag] bagong graduate, hindi pa regular, hindi na sila protektado ng batas at wala silang magagawa, so pwedeng-pwede magsumbong sa DOLE.”
This episode gave an important message: Even new and probationary workers have labor rights from the start. If something is wrong, they can report to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
“CIA with BA,” hosted by Senator Alan Cayetano and Boy Abunda, continues the legacy of Sen. Rene “Compañero” Cayetano and airs every Sunday at 11 p.m.
