ANTIPOLO City, Nov. 10, 2011—Labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) expressed disappointment over the decision of the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) decision to lift its suspension order against Korean-owned Keppel Subic Shipping, Inc. last October 24.
DOLE had ordered a temporary halt to Keppel’s operations due to an accident that killed six workers and injured six others. But the suspension order was implemented only for 17 days.
Elmer Labog, KMU national chairperson in a statement said, that his group is “revolted” by the immediate lifting of the CDO [cease and desist order], [on a] hush-hush manner, and with its belated announcement.
He said, what puzzles them is that while Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapiliz-Baldoz had identified some weaknesses on the Keppel’s work safety, the Labor chief has not held the ship-building company criminally liable. This, the labor leader said, gives them the feeling that the State, via DOLE, has been conniving with Keppel.
“We dare ask the DOLE leadership and the Aquino government: By how much? By how much were you paid to clean Keppel’s name and pile insult after another over the dead workers of Keppel and those who love them?” asked Labog.
With what happened, Labog said, the Aquino government is encouraging capitalists to reduce costs entailed by upholding workers’ health and safety in the workplace. [Noel Sales Barcelona/CBCPNews]
