WORKERS CONCERNS TACKLED ON CIA WITH BA LABOR DAY EPISODE

Workers’ concerns tackled on ‘CIA with BA’ Labor Day episode

In line with the Labor Day celebration last week, the May 4 episode of ‘CIA with BA’ took the opportunity to shed light on pressing labor-related issues through its segment “Tanong ng Pilipino.”

One of the featured questions came from a viewer in Quezon City who raised concerns about working for an employer without a formal contract.

He asked, “Saan pwedeng lumapit na Labor [office], sa main branch po ba?”

Legal expert Atty. Matt Cesa advised that complaints regarding labor concerns should be brought to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office nearest to the place of work.

“Hindi naman necessarily sa main [office] kayo pumunta, unless nandon [sa area na ‘yon] ‘yung trabaho niyo,” he explained.

The viewer also shared that he has been employed by the same company for over three years without a contract and believed he should have been granted regular status after 180 days.

Atty. Cesa clarified, “Tama [‘yon] na after six months or 180 days, regular na dapat ‘yung employee, pero lagi nating tatandaan na ‘yung probationary employment, dapat sinasabi ‘yan at the time na pumasok ka sa trabaho mo.”

He further emphasized that employers must clearly communicate if a worker is on probation, including the standards expected of the employee.

“After six months, magiging regular employee ka na dapat or kung hindi ka pumasa, either pwedeng i-extend ‘yung probationary employment mo. Ang mahirap dyan, lagpas three years ka na,” he noted.

Atty. Cesa advised the viewer to first confirm whether probationary status and company standards were explicitly stated at the start of employment.

“Kung wala, on your first day, regular employee ka na agad,” he added.

He also noted that while the standard probationary period is six months, it may be extended depending on a valid agreement between the employer and the employee.

Hosted by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and the King of Talk Boy Abunda, ‘CIA with BA’ continues the legacy of the late Senator Rene Cayetano in ‘CIA with BA.’ It airs every Sunday at 11:00 p.m. on GMA7, with replays on GTV the following Saturday at 10:30 p.m.