By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Labor groups are calling on the government to provide immediate assistance to more than 900 workers displaced after authorities shut down three steel plants in Pampanga, Misamis Oriental and Davao City over alleged immigration, labor, safety and regulatory violations.
The groups said workers should not be left without wages, benefits, livelihood assistance or employment opportunities as government agencies investigate the alleged violations uncovered during a series of raids on the facilities.
The crackdown involved allegations including the presence of undocumented foreign workers, the illegal possession and use of radioactive industrial materials and the production of substandard steel products.
Kilusang Mayo Uno Southern Mindanao said employees affected by the operation at Davao Mighty Steel Corp. were left facing uncertainty after the facility was closed.
The labor group said workers across the three plants had lost jobs or income following the government operations.
“Rather than feeling rescued, workers described experiencing fear, intimidation, and uncertainty,” the group said, adding that employees were not provided immediate assistance, livelihood support or a clear plan after the shutdowns.
Federation of Free Workers president Sonny Matula said employers should be held accountable for any violations established by authorities, but workers should not be made to bear the consequences.
He urged the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to determine what assistance affected employees may receive, including unpaid wages, benefits, livelihood support and possible alternative employment.
Matula also called for closer coordination among government agencies in enforcing workplace safety rules.
“Sa workplace safety, hindi puwedeng kanya-kanyang inspeksyon at kanya-kanyang diskarte,” Matula said.
He said the Occupational Safety and Health Law places DOLE at the center of workplace safety enforcement and inter-agency coordination.
Republic Act 11058, or the Occupational Safety and Health Law, grants the labor secretary visitorial and enforcement powers over occupational safety and health standards and requires DOLE to establish mechanisms for coordination with other government agencies.
“Many agencies can help, but it must be clear who is at the wheel. When it comes to worker safety, coordination is not bureaucracy—it can save lives,” Matula said.
The government operations began in May with a raid on Philippine Sanjia Steel Corp. in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, where authorities arrested 69 Chinese nationals and one Filipino.
Authorities subsequently conducted an operation on July 19 at Chuang Xing Steel Corp. in Magalang, Pampanga. Several Chinese nationals and one Filipino were arrested, while the employment permits of six Chinese workers were later canceled.
In August, authorities raided Davao Mighty Steel Corp. in Davao City, resulting in the arrest of 10 Chinese nationals and four Filipinos.
The operations uncovered alleged immigration, labor and workplace safety violations, along with concerns over radioactive-bearing materials and the quality of steel products being manufactured.
Matula said about 100 workers initially examined after concerns over radioactive materials reportedly showed no acute symptoms.
He stressed, however, that the initial medical findings should not end the monitoring of the workers.
“This does not eliminate the need for continuing medical monitoring,” Matula said.
The labor groups are now pressing the government to address the immediate needs of workers affected by the shutdowns while investigations into the alleged violations continue.
ia/xf
