Hontiveros seeks probe on working conditions of ‘gig economy’

Senator Risa Hontiveros has filed a resolution calling for an investigation, in aid of legislation, on the working conditions in the so-called “gig-economy” or temporary or part-time employment.

She said she hopes to address reports of unfair working conditions among delivery riders, motorcycle taxi riders, Grab car drivers, and other freelancers, especially amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Proposed Senate Resolution 732 seeks to probe into the employment benefits and other forms of social protection of workers in the emerging gig economy.

“Kaakibat ng tumataas na demand sa part-time at temporary jobs ay ang paglaganap ng kawalan o kakulangan ng benepisyo. There are also countless reports of unstable working conditions. Ang iba sa kanila, hindi rin itinuturing na empleyado,” Hontiveros said.

:As lawmakers, we should look into these and craft measures that will better protect our gig economy workers,” she said.

The resolution defines gig economy as new technology-enabled forms of work, often temporary and flexible, utilized by companies that rely primarily on independent contractors and freelancers.

One of the major issues the resolution seeks to tackle is the practice of classifying gig economy workers as independent contractors, and not employees.

Hence, they are currently not entitled to healthcare benefits, 13th month pay, retirement pay, leave credits, days-off, and other forms of basic labor rights found in the Labor Code.

“Without laws that regulate and define the rights of our gig economy workers, they will certainly be exposed to abuse and exploitation,” Hontiveros said.

:Huwag nating hayaan na walang mananagot sakaling may mangyari sa ating mga delivery riders, motorcycle taxi riders, grab car drivers, o freelancers. Hindi dapat mangyari na ang lifeline ng rumaraket nating mga kababayan ay hindi pala makakapagsalba sa kanila in the long run,” she said.

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Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)