Trabaho party-list vows to champion workers’ health, protection

Trabaho party-list vows to champion workers’ health, benefits and protection. Inquirer file photo.

MANILA, Philippines — A party-list group has vowed to address several concerns of the workforce should they land a seat in Congress in the 2025 midterm elections, as the country commemorates Labor Day.

In a statement on Wednesday, eve of Labor Day, Trabaho party-list spokesperson Mitchell-David Espiritu said that the group will address “emerging challenges affecting the workers’ health and working protections” due to the risks brought by climate change.

“Trabaho Partylist promised to legislate and to voice out in the Congress the need for sustainable employment opportunities, equitable wages, and enhanced worker benefits and protections,” Espiritu said.

“As an example […] the absence of strong national regulations adapting to the unprecedented rise in the country’s heat index levels,” he added.  “Beyond safety measures, Trabaho Partylist advocates for robust medical benefits and health insurance coverage for workers. This includes access to preventive care, regular health screenings, and comprehensive health insurance plans that cover heat-related illnesses.”

Concerns of the workforce

According to Espiritu, they understand these concerns as they are also part of the workforce.

“We know what the workers want and need because we are workers ourselves,” he said.

“Non-wage benefits and protections are essential to mitigate the financial burdens of medical expenses and to ensure timely medical attention for affected workers,” he added.

For several years now, as the country’s dry season continues to get hotter, groups have asked employers to implement flexible and safe work schedules to avoid incidents where workers get dehydrated, suffer from heat exhaustion, or worse, heat stroke and heart attack.

In April 2024, labor groups led by Kilusang Mayo Uno called for better protection for workers whose jobs involve working under the extreme heat.

READ: Better protection for workers, labor groups urge gov’t, employers

No less than the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) also reminded employers to observe occupational safety practices as the country experienced high temperatures in 2024.

READ: DOLE to employers: Implement measures to protect workers vs heat

Last Sunday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration warned that a “dangerous” heat index level will be experienced in 29 areas across the country.

According to local reports, at least six people were hospitalized in Iloilo City due to heat-related illnesses, with three of them later dying due to complications.