DOLE finds most employers compliant with labor standards in Region 1
SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union -- Majority of employers in the Ilocos Region were compliant with general labor standards (GLS) after the conduct of the 2022 Labor Inspection Program initiated by the Department of Labor and Employment, Regional Office 1 (DOLE RO1).
The result was reported in the recently-concluded 2022 Yearend Performance Assessment held on January 23-24, 2023 in Binmaley, Pangasinan.
DOLE RO1 inspected a total of 2,506 establishments in 2022, resulting in a 110% accomplishment rate from its target of 2,280 establishments. Of this number, the majority – or 86.71% -- were found to be compliant with GLS.
DOLE Regional Director Exequiel Ronie A. Guzman said these numbers are reflective of the generally-healthy labor environment in the region.
“This shows that even when businesses and enterprises are still recovering from the economic impacts of the pandemic, employers are still mindful of their obligations to their workers,” RD Guzman said.
A total of 56,293 workers were covered in the inspection activities.
The 475 establishments inspected were located in Ilocos Norte, 609 in Ilocos Sur, 538 in La Union, 280 in western Pangasinan, 322 in central Pangasinan, and 282 in eastern Pangasinan.
Most of the establishments inspected were micro (1-9 workers) at 1,331 establishments; small (10-99 workers) at 1,077; medium (100-199 workers) at 61; and large (200 and above workers) at 37.
Establishments are GLS-compliant when they are proven to observe minimum wage rates, social coverages (SSS, Philhealth, Pagibig), and other statutory monetary benefits.
In Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards, DOLE RO1 accounted for a 71.91% compliance rate in 2022.
“While this is at par with the guiding compliance rate of 70%, improvements can be made. For 2023, we shall strengthen our efforts to ensure more establishments comply with OSH,” RD Guzman directed the inspectorate.
Guzman also set the agenda that for 2023, the DOLE RO1 shall prioritize inspecting medium and large establishments. He has also initiated talks with social partners such as the SSS to ensure the sustainability of compliance.
“These are the steps we take ahead. In February, our inspectors shall take part in the National Labor Inspection Summit, where amendments in the inspection guidelines are anticipated to be discussed,” said Guzman.
The 2022 Labor Inspection results also showed top non-compliance areas such as on overtime pay, holiday pay, and basic wage pay for GLS; and the absence of first aider, safety officer, and OSH program for OSH.