ABS-CBN Puts New Labor Advisory in Question

Last week, the Department of Labor and Employment issued a labor advisory regarding the working conditions in the movie and television industry which particularly limits employees and talents to eight to twelve hours of work per day and other matters regarding their health and safety during tapings in select locations. But, the forthcoming implementation of the said advisory has become a brief concern for ABS-CBN Corporation, the largest media and entertainment company in the Philippines.

Through the years, ABS-CBN has been supporting the labor agency's efforts that would benefit the health and well-being of its employees and talents through implementing relevant improvements to improve the working conditions of its workers and providing benefits beyond what is required by national laws. But, the company seeks to question the validity of the said labor advisory as it filed a 20-day temporary restraining order (TRO) at the Regional Trial Court in Quezon City to stop the said implementation until further notice.

Honestly, I agree that the reason behind the sudden release of the new labor advisory is that it is still lacking in proper consultations with broadcast management and workers. On the other hand, I think DOLE is trying to mandate something that would benefit the local entertainment industry following the ladder's call regarding stressful working conditions within the industry. It would seem that ABS-CBN is putting the new labor advisory in question even before its implementation, but it is fitting to know that anyone is open to be concerned about it such as Atty. Joji Alonso who is not happy with the said advisory.

Well, we will see how the new labor advisory would benefit the local entertainment scene in the coming months and even affect the viewing habits of millions of Filipinos as well.