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Employees brave APEC traffic because of ‘no work, no pay’

Bea Orante

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Employees brave APEC traffic because of ‘no work, no pay’
Some employees reflect on what they have to lose or gain by going to work during the APEC Summit

MANILA, Philippines – Sayang yung kikitain,” said Kesha, a recruitment agent on her way to work. (I don’t want to waste what I could earn today.)

In order to prevent road congestion during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, the government closed and rerouted several major roads in Metro Manila. Malacañang also gave students and public sector employees a 4-day holiday and private sector employees a 2-day holiday.

But traffic congestion continued to be a problem because there were many employees like Kesha who had to work.

Malacañang issued Proclamation No. 1072 declaring a special non-working holiday in the National Capital Region from November 18 to 19 as well as Memorandum Circular 84, which made November 17 and 20 non-working holidays for government officials. (READ: No classes, work in Metro Manila due to APEC)

However, the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) pay rules state that on November 18 and 19, “the ‘no-work, no-pay’ principle shall apply, unless there is a favorable company policy, practice, or collective bargaining agreement (CBA) granting payment on a special day.” 

Many private sector employees, therefore, felt they had to report to work during the APEC holidays or else they would lose those day’s wages.

The plight of commuters

Thousands of employees had to brave hours on the road just to get to work, that is, if they could even get a ride. One of them, Sunaya, who works at St Francis Square in Ortigas, said she could not get a ride at Baclaran. 

Many commuters were forced to walk several kilometers just to get to work. Those coming from Cavite were either stuck in heavy traffic for several hours or left with no choice but to walk along Coastal Road because of the closure of Roxas Boulevard in Manila.

Some Filipinos tried doing their part by giving passengers a ride.

Even though some had to work on those days, there was no guarantee that they would earn enough to justify the hassle they experienced. Several taxi drivers, for instance, reported how they struggled to pay the day’s boundary. 

Kahit namamasada kami, hindi kami umaasa na kikita,” said Artemio who was asking mall-goers if they needed a cab. “Maka-boundary lang, masaya na ako. Basta hindi ko aabonohan yung para sa araw na ‘to,” he added. (I’m fine just to earn enough for my boundary. As long as I don’t have to pay for the day.)

Some employees were willing to deal with the traffic problem during the summit, calling it a “sacrifice.”

Marlon, another taxi driver, said, “‘Yang APEC, para sa lahat. ‘Di naman araw-araw ‘yan. Isipin na lang natin yung ipapasok na business niyan.” (APEC is for everyone. It’s not an everyday thing. Let’s just think of the businesses and investments it will bring.)

Despite their optimism, the traffic situation continues to be a problem. The cab drivers reported spending two to five hours on the road. 

As the summit ends, thousands of employees in the capital hope that the progress APEC promises is worth their temporary “sacrifice.” – Rappler.com

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