Legarda bats for Magna Carta of Waste Workers

Senator Loren Legarda has refiled in the 20th Congress a bill that seeks to standardize working conditions for waste workers, emphasizing their crucial role in public health and environmental sustainability.

“There is an inherent risk our waste workers face when it comes to properly collecting and disposing of tons of garbage we produce every day,” Legarda said.

“Although hazardous, many, if not most, face numerous challenges, such as safety hazards, low wages, lack of job security, and discrimination due to their jobs,” she added.

Waste workers will be defined as either formal, who are employed by government, private companies, or cooperatives, or informal, who are more commonly known as waste pickers or scavengers.

Benefits such as GSIS and SSS coverage shall be provided, as well as hazard pay, and representation in a local government unit’s Solid Waste Management Board.

Waste workers shall also be provided with free annual medical exams by their employers and be given personal protective equipment, vaccinations, and other prophylactic measures, such as tetanus shots.

Moreover, they shall be accorded access to comprehensive health services provided by a health maintenance organization, including hospitalization and regular check-ups.

This includes physical, dental, mental health, and psychosocial examinations aiming to monitor, prevent, and address occupational illnesses and work-related health conditions.

Work hours shall also not exceed eight hours; any excess will be subject to overtime and holiday pay.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will be tasked to establish guidelines and mechanisms to ensure fair and safe working conditions, including security of tenure.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will provide social protection, while the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will ensure proper implementation of the Solid Waste Management Act.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will also be tasked with accrediting and certifying technical and vocational education and training programs for waste workers, ensuring competence.

“The waste management industry is an unheralded but vital aspect of our everyday lives. Our waste workers strive every day to prevent the spread of disease caused by decaying garbage,” she asserted.

“With the passage of this bill, we are giving gratitude to those who have continued to work this noble occupation.” (30)