BARROGA, Paula Feliza Sem 3 Th 18:00-19:00

2L Fr. Anselm

1. How can we as individual Catholics help support the rights of workers?

As an individual Catholic, quoting St. Paul Catholic Parish’s advice is that we can advocate for
legislation, which supports the rights of workers, collective bargaining and joining unions. If we
are in a position of employing people, we can take our employees basic needs into consideration
and offer fair wages, opportunities for growth and health benefits to the best of our abilities.
In my small little way, I will sign up for any petition that will help support the right of every
Filipino workers.

2. In this moment of uncertainty, how may the Catholic Church help in securing the
rights and welfare of all workers?
The Catholic Church can help by praying for the welfare of the workers, becoming the voice on
behalf of the workers to the government. Supporting the labor law by letting employers create
work environments that support employees and helps them manage the many conflicting issues
and pressures in their lives especially during these trying times. Help support the employees the
opportunity to continue to learn, has a culture of trust, the flexibility needed to manage work,
personal and family life, provides employees the feeling of being supported by their supervisor
to succeed at work.

3. What is your take on the issue of the viability of giving a 13 th-month pay to workers
this year?

My take since I’ve been working in the office ever since the pandemic started is that employers
must release 13th month pay on or before the year ends. Many of those who were terminated have
rendered services for at least a month prior to the lockdowns imposed due to the pandemic so
they are entitled to the 13th month pay, If employers are distressed because their business were
shut down due to the pandemic, then it should be prorated. In this situation, we should also see
both sides of the story, such as the employee and the employer. Not all employers can afford to
give the 13th month pay knowing that the employee didn’t work for a certain month.