Almost 200 workers nationwide had sought legal assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) last September, the agency said on Monday.
In a statement, DOLE reminded workers that it offers free legal assistance nationwide through its Public Assistance and Complaints Unit (PACU), in an effort to reinforce its role as a ‘trusted avenue’ for legal guidance on labor-related complaints.
‘Through its team of lawyers, PACU provides free legal assistance for claims such as unpaid wages and wrongful dismissal in strict accordance with established legal procedures,’ DOLE said.
According to the agency, a total of 191 walk-in clients were accommodated by PACU last September.
DOLE noted that 16 of these clients were persons with disabilities, while 23 were senior citizens.
Most of the workers were from Metro Manila, Dole said, while others were from Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), Central Luzon, and nearby provinces.
The most common issues raised by the workers included money claims and termination of employment, comprising 42 percent of complaints.
Meanwhile, concerns about management prerogative formed 14 percent while issues regarding social welfare benefits were at 11 percent.
Meanwhile, the remaining 29 percent included other labor concerns such as separation pay, grievances, floating status, minimum wage, temporary layoffs, unauthorized deductions, and cases pending before the National Labor Relations Commission.
A majority of the concerns, at 132, were also classified as ‘simple matters,’ while the rest, at 59, required in-depth legal evaluation, DOLE said.
In April last year, the agency served 169 walk-in clients, 116 phone queries and 921 email queries seeking legal guidance and assistance.
To avail of free legal services, the public may consult in person by visiting the PACU office at DOLE’s office in Intramuros, Manila, or through phone call at (02) 8527-3000 local 607.
‘Through the PACU, the department affirms its commitment to its mission of fostering just and equitable employment relations to ensure that every worker in the country has access to fair, timely, and humane labor protection,’ DOLE said.