Senator Risa Hontiveros is pushing for a legislation that will safeguard the rights and welfare of a growing number of Filipino workers in the gig economy, which includes delivery riders and other freelancers.
She introduced Senate Bill No. 1373 or the Protektadong Online Workers, Entrepreneurs, Riders at Raketera (POWERR) Act.
Delivery riders and independent contractors are empowered under the POWERR Act, Hontiveros emphasized. “Ang pagpasa nito ay magbibigay sa kanila ng kaukulang social protection katulong ang iba’t ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan.”
It will require the state to create criteria for regulations in respect to the services that these workers provide, she highlighted, guaranteed “that the rights of the delivery riders and online freelancers are protected.”
According to the proposed legislation, whether paid hourly or per job, online platform employees must get at least the legally required minimum wage.
Additionally, a mechanism for social protection program portability should be included, in which online service providers should make sure that the workers are enrolled in government social protection programs like the Home Development Mutual Fund, Social Security System (SSS), and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, among others. Female workers shall also be provided with a maternity benefit upon childbirth in a manner and amount determined by the SSS.
“Because work conditions in the gig economy are often unstable, workers in this sector are more affected by economic shocks and the lack of clear rules,” Hontiveros stressed. “Kailangan nila ng steady income at masasandalan na mga benepisyo para may matanggap sila sakaling magsakit, mabuntis o magretiro.”
Workers on online platforms will be able to organize, engage in collective bargaining, and negotiate with their providers once the bill is passed. Additionally, they will have the right to information regarding any algorithmic system-assisted decision or action that affects their job or working conditions.
In particular, online platforms would be held accountable for delivery riders’ injuries experienced while doing their duties. Furthermore, the online platforms must maintain the integrity of their algorithmic management systems and place them under human supervision.
While they are serving as our “quarantine heroes,” Hontiveros underscored, “kung tunay silang katuwang ng mga kumpanya para maghatid ng serbisyo, hindi ba’t nararapat lang din na may pananagutan sila sakaling may madisgrasya sa gitna ng trabaho?”
Because of the gaps in our laws and policies, she said, “Dapat nang tugunan ang mga hinaing ng ating delivery riders at online platform workers. They have been bearing the risk of labor abuses … It’s time we put their sufferings to an end.”
Photo Credit: Philippine News Agency Website
