MAS MALAWAK NA PROTEKSIYON SA POWER SECTOR WORKERS, HIRIT SA SENADO
Ni Ernie Reyes
Nakahain ngayon sa Senado ang isang panukalang batas na naglalayong bigyan ng insurance coverage at dagdag benepisyo ang lahat ng line workers na nagtatayo, nagmementeni at nagkukumpuni ng electrical transmission and distribution systems sa buong bansa
Base saa Senate Bill No. 498 o mas kikilalanin bilang Line Workers Insurance and Benefits Act na inaatasan ang lahat ng private distribution utilities, electric cooperatives, at transmission o grid operators na magbigay ng insurance coverage at entitlements tulad ng retirement and disability benefits, death and burial assistance, at medical expense reimbursements.
“They perform both critical and dangerous work,” ayon kay Senador Chiz Escudero sa kanyang explanatory note. “Yet a number of them do so bereft of any form of coverage against death, accidents, illness, and other fortuitous events that could be sustained in the line of duty.”
“The coverage of my proposed bill also extends to drivers, helpers, and support crew who are deployed alongside line workers during construction and maintenance operations,” giit ng senador
“Employers will be responsible for paying the full cost of insurance premiums, which cannot be deducted from employee wages. This provision ensures that workers receive full protection without bearing the financial burden,” dagdag niya.
Alinsunod ang panukala sa inaprubahan ng Mababang Kapulunga, ang House Bill No. 7561, noong 19th Congress.
“The provision of insurance coverage and other benefits would ensure that our line workers, as well as their families, are protected from the risks and perils of their chosen occupation,” aniya.
Umaasa ang dating senate president na mabibigyan ng kaukulang panahon ang SB 498 ng Senate committee on energy at labor upang talakayin sa Pagbabalik ng sesyon sa susunod na linggo dahil kailangan nang protektahan ang ating line workers na humarap sa araw-araw na panganib sa pagtupad sa kanilang tungkulin.
