KMU calls for justice for 5 workers hurt in SM Davao

Labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno called for justice for the five workers who were injured today in SM Davao, saying workplace accidents this year highlight the need to junk contractualization.


The five workers – Ronnie Mosqueda, Alvin Rapista, Ruel Hinampas, Rodel Pormento and Rogelio Piodo, Jr. – were doing masonry work when a canopy collapsed at their work site in SM Davao this morning.


They are employees of Isamil Builders Construction, a sub-contractor of New Golden City Builders, the main contractor of the new SM building.


“We are calling for justice for the five workers who were injured in SM Davao. Beyond receiving compensation, the workers should get justice with the punishment of those responsible for the incident that injured them,” said Roger Soluta, KMU secretary-general.


“We are calling for an immediate and truthful investigation as to what actually happened and as to the management’s responsibility. Given the Labor department’s proven bias for capitalists and against workers, such an investigation should involve the media and cause-oriented groups,” he added.


Junk contractualization


The labor center also reiterated its call for the junking of contractualization, which is pervasive in the country’s construction industry.


“Eton, Keppel and now SM – the publicized cases of workplace accidents this year all victimize contractual workers. It is contractual workers who are doing the most dangerous work, yet are the least protected by the country’s laws,” Soluta said.

“The main employers in the previous cases of Eton and Keppel were not punished, and contractors and sub-contractors, shielded by their anonymity and the country’s laws, go unpunished. It is often the case that desperate families are just offered minimal compensation, not justice,” he added.


KMU cited the death of 10 workers in the construction of the Eton Towers in Makati last January and the death of six workers in Keppel Shipyard in Subic last October, saying no one has been punished to this day for these cases.


KMU has been calling for the passage of House Bill 5110, otherwise known as the Regular Employment Bill, filed by Anakpawis Partylist Rep. Rafael V. Mariano, seeking to make contractuals the direct employees of primary employers. Roger Soluta, KMU Secretary General