The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) has launched a new 24/7 nationwide hotline that will serve as a channel for workers and employers to raise labor-related concerns.
Accessible by dialing 1530, Hotline 15/30 replaces the agency’s former 1349 service.
Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino said the hotline will receive concerns involving workplace conditions, including inadequate ventilation and water supply, violations of labor standards, and employers’ failure to comply with labor advisories on El Niño.
The hotline is also open to employers, not just employees, who may need assistance on labor-related matters.
Dole initially deployed 20 personnel to answer calls around the clock, including during the graveyard shift.
Tolentino appealed to the public to refrain from making prank calls, warning that these could tie up the hotline and prevent people with legitimate concerns from reaching the agency.
The agency is still working to improve the speed of its response to concerns received through the hotline. Tolentino said some referrals to other agencies may take until the next working day.
Dole is also developing a referral mechanism with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) to direct concerns within the latter’s mandate to the appropriate office.
Hotline 15/30 takes its name from the 15th and 30th days of the month, which traditionally serve as paydays for Filipino workers.