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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Legarda pushes for Magna Carta of Waste Workers bill

Legarda pushes for Magna Carta of Waste Workers bill

Published Jun 23, 2024 03:37 am

Senator Loren Legarda is now pushing for a bill seeking to standardized working conditions for waste workers, citing their critical role in public health and environmental sustainability.

In filing Senate Bill No. 22636 or the proposed Magna Carta of Waste Workers Act, Legarda said it is imperative for the government to finally recognize the pivotal role of that waste workers provide for the country, especially at the risk of their own lives, just to dispose tons of waste that are being produced every day.

“Despite their essential role, a large majority face numerous challenges to their well-being, including low wages, lack of job security, and exposure to hazardous materials, as well as undue discrimination and stigma due to the line of their work,” Legarda said.

“We need to provide comprehensive legislation for them to protect their rights, improve working conditions, and integrate them into formal waste management systems,” said the

author and principal sponsor of Republic Act (RA) 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

The proposed law seeks to identify waste workers as either formal, referring to those employed by government, private companies or cooperatives; or informal, referring to waste pickers or scavengers.

Among the rights which will be provided under the bill include representation in the local government unit's (LGUs) Solid Waste Management Board, as well as GSIS and SSS coverage, and hazard pay.

The bill also seeks to institutionalize annual medical exams for waste workers which shall also be provided by employers, as well as personal protective equipment, vaccination, and other prophylaxis such as tetanus shots.

Waste workers shall also be accorded access to comprehensive health services provided by a health maintenance organization (HMO), including hospitalization and regular medical check-ups.

The bill also ensures that waste workers would not be able to work beyond eight hours, and also entitles them to overtime pay should they serve in excess of eight hours. They will also be entitled to a holiday pay, based on current guidelines.

LGU waste workers shall also be considered as target beneficiaries of socialized housing projects.

Those who would fail to implement the law and or discriminate waste workers will be meted arresto mayor and fined between P50,000 to P150,000.

“Given the significant contributions and vulnerabilities of our waste workers, there is a pressing need for a Magna Carta or comprehensive legislation to protect their rights and improve their working conditions,” Legarda said.

Related Tags

Loren Legarda waste workers Magna Carta of Waste Workers
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