JULY 29, 2011

NR # 2479B

Additional benefits and protection for kasambahays pushed

A measure setting the minimum salary of household helpers and mandating their enrolment to the Social Security System (SSS) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has been filed in the House of Representatives. House Bill No. 4896 authored by Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla (2nd District, Cavite) amends the Labor Code of the Philippines, specifically Chapter III of Articles 141, 142, 143, 148 and 151. Under the bill, the household helpers, also known as kasambahays, employed in the NCR will be paid a minimum salary of P3,000 while those working in other chartered cities and first class municipalities shall be given a monthly salary of P2,500. Household helpers in other municipalities shall be paid P2,000. The move, Revilla said, is in recognition of the special conditions under which household helpers carry out their work. Revilla said the bill mandates employers to put into writing the employment of their household helper with a stipulation of the monthly compensation and mode of payment, including an annual salary increase. The bill provides for an annual review by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBS) of the kasambahays salary to determine appropriate minimum wage rates for them. Aside from the minimum wage, the bill also lists down the duties and responsibilities of the kasambahays and requires employers to set working hours and day-off schedule for their helpers, Revilla said. The bill prohibits the employers from withholding any part of their kasambahays wages or from inducing them to give up any part of their wages by force, stealth, intimidation and threat or by any other means. In pushing for the immediate approval of the bill, Revilla stressed that the household help industry is one of the marginalized sectors of society because many of those who belong to this industry come from rural areas and are often unable to complete their secondary studies. A law is needed to protect household workers, Revilla said, adding that unlike the conventional workers, they are not governed by any legislation that specifically protects their rights and welfare. It is hoped that by protecting and promoting the rights of household helpers, they will be less discriminated against and will be less marginalized. They will be able to work effectively and decently and support themselves and their family while servicing and ministering to the personal comfort and convenience of their employers, Revilla said. (30) fg