THE Nagkaisa Labor Coalition (Nagkaisa) urged the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) on Friday, November 12, 2021, to recall its order requiring coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccines to employees doing on-site work.
In an interview, Nagkaisa Chairman Sonny Matula said they are against the said policy, as many workers remain unvaccinated due to lack of vaccine supply or slow vaccination.
“This resolution is crafted by government officials who are detached from the lives of our workers,” said Matula.
“We call for its recall or suspension and for the consultation of trade unions and labor groups,” he added.
The labor leader said the policy is against the law, which does not make vaccination against Covid-19 mandatory.
“The law does not require compulsory inoculation. Why are we penalizing the workers when the law does not mandate compulsory vaccination?” asked Matula.
On Friday, November 12, Malacañang announced that Covid-19 vaccination is required for employees doing on-site work, particularly in areas where there are enough supplies of Covid-19 vaccines.
According to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, the new policy is set to take effect on December 1.
In a virtual press briefing, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said the policy was brought to its attention before it was approved.
“DOLE is part of the IATF technical working group with respect to the policy. I am certain we were consulted on that aspect,” said DOLE spokesman Rolly Francia.
He said the labor department is already drafting the necessary advisory on the said policy.
“The guidelines will be from our end before it can be implemented. It will have to go through the formulation of guidelines coming from the Department,” said Francia. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)