by L. Lopez

Tabuk City, Kalinga (12 July) -- The city is sending 86 skilled welders to work at the Hanjin shipyard in Subic after the company conducted orientation and recruitment here.

This is part of the labor employment program of the city government tied up with local and outside employers.

Hanjin, a Korean- owned and managed corporation engaged in ship building industry came here through its representatives upon the invitation of the city government.

But Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Provincial Officer Avelina Manganip issued a clarification of Hanjin's wage scale, noting that its hiring of young laborers is supposed to be covered under the DOLE's Worker's Appreciation Program (WAP).

According to Executive Order 139 which provides guidelines for the WAP, hired young laborers should receive a wage of not less than 75% of the prevailing minimum wage in the first three onths of their work, Manganip explained. Companies usually provide a probationary period of at least three months to newly hired workers.

After the 3-month period, they should be hired as regular workers, meaning they should receive the regular wage rate and other benefits, provided by law.

Manganip expressed this view to assure worker's care and welfare, especially those who are getting their first employments.

At the labor department, it is our mandate to protect workers and provide what the law says on the welfare and safety of workers, Manganip said.