DOLE wants bus drivers' pay system changed

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) intends to release an order giving bus drivers fixed salaries and other incentives to curb bus-related accidents in the country. The directive, pending a committee study, is one of many that followed the death of journalist Lourdes Simbulan when the taxi she was riding was hit by a bus on Commonwealth Avenue. Earlier, bus drivers said they were forced to go beyond speed limits because of the “boundary" system imposed on them by transport operators. According to a report on GMA News’ “Saksi," bus drivers break the speed limits to get more passengers. Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz on Thursday said that a committee spearheaded by the department will be studying the condition of bus drivers who typically work more than 10 hours but do not receive regular compensation. “We’re looking at the possibility, as suggested by [MMDA chairman Francis] Tolentino, of a fixed rate for them and possibly additional incentive based on [a] study we’re going to conduct to have [an] idea how much they really earn on… commission basis," said Baldoz. “We were also told there are bus operators who already give fixed salaries. So, magkakaiba sila." The committee is expected have the results of the study within a month, which will the form the basis of a department order. — BC/VS, GMA News