Only about 25 percent of the employers in Negros Oriental are religiously following the labor standards, which include paying the minimum wage.

Lawyer Jose Ogang, head of the Department of Labor and Employment Dumaguete District, said about 75 percent of the employers in the province are not complying with labor laws.

He clarified, though, that it was his personal estimate and he has no official figures. Employees must file a written complaint so that his office can act on them, Ogang said.

Ogang sad the DOLE, on its own initiative, can conduct routine inspections on establishments to determine compliance with labor standards.

The DOLE has been in this advocacy since 2006. It has been conducting information and education campaigns for both the employers and workers, on their rights under the law, he said.

The DOLE is very careful not to be charged with harassment by employers, Ogang added.

Ogang said after their advocacy stage this year, the DOLE may conduct routine inspections provided all the employers have been informed of the required labor standards.*RA

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