THE Federation of Free Workers (FFW) yesterday lauded the decision of the Supreme Court (SC) reinstating five illegally dismissed riders of the e-commerce firm Lazada.
In a statement, FFW President Sonny Matula said the SC ruling can be considered as a “victory for the workers” considering its significance in the fight for security of tenure.
“This is a victory for the workers. The SC made it clear that the protection to labor and the guarantee of the right security of tenure are not mere embellishments in a parchment that can be ignored like wallpapers on the wall,” said Matula.
“They are fundamental rights that should be enjoyed by workers in real life… Regular employment is the norm and not the other way around,” he said, adding other concerned stakeholders should take note of the SC ruling and respect the rights of their employees.
Last Friday, the SC ordered Lazada to reinstate five of their illegally dismissed delivery riders, saying they are considered as regular workers.
The SC said the five must be provided full back wages and benefits to be computed from the time of their dismissal up to the time of their actual reinstatement.
“FFW considers the Ditiangkin vs. Lazada E-Services Phils case as a landmark one in upholding security of tenure of workers,” he said.
“Delivery riders in similar situations may use this precedent in their complaint for regularization,” Matula added.