DOLE helps 20 workers file case vs Saudi employer

The Labor Department has helped 20 Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia file charges against their Saudi employer as well as their Filipino recruiter. DOLE labor communications office head Nicon Fameronag cited a report from Riyadh Labor Attaché Albert Valenciano indicating the 20 were hired two months ago. "Our POLO in Riyadh, headed by Labor Attaché Valenciano, had already assisted the 20 workers in filing a complaint against their employer at the Saudi Labor Office. The SLO will soon schedule a hearing during which the employer will be asked to present its side," Fameronag said in an article posted on the DOLE website. Representing the workers is Ahmad Imam. Assisting them are Valenciano and case officer and interpreter Salahuddin Unda. Also collaborating with the POLO in the case are Mike Garlan and Eric Joson of Migrante International-Middle East. "We have advised the workers concerned to continue working while the case is pending and not leave their accommodation, otherwise this might be construed as resignation or abandonment," Fameronag said, citing Valenciano’s report. He also said he had asked the POEA to look into the circumstances of the hiring and deployment of the 20 workers by their recruitment agencies in the Philippines to provide the POLO added information as it works on the case. Fameronag said the 20 workers went to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Riyadh to complain about the alleged non-payment of their $320 monthly salaries since they started to work there. The workers also complained about non-payment of overtime pay; lack of medical assistance; and forced signing of their daily time record for 24 months. Fameronag said the SLO will try to settle the case through mediation, but if this fails and if it finds the complaint meritorious, it will bring the case to the Saudi Primary labor Court which will hear and try the case. The POLO’s quick action in helping the 20 workers in distress is in compliance with DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz’s directive to all labor attaches and welfare officers to provide all OFWs expanded care and protection, one of the 22-point labor and employment agenda of President Benigno Aquino III. It also comes in the light of the effectivity of the new law, Republic Act No. 10022, providing OFWs added welfare protection. — RSJ, GMANews.TV