- MITCH M. LIPA
The Department of Labor and Employment in Negros Occidental inspected Transcom Bacolod as per directive from DOLE Region 6 Director Cyril Ticao.
Ticao was responding to the request made last week by the Bacolod City government to see if the business process outsourcing firm follows labor health standards set under the Labor Code of the Philippines after 48 of its employees were infected with COVID-19 virus.
Agnes Capigon, DOLE provincial head, said they have sent inspectors in the area on Feb. 10.
Results of their inspection are being awaited, she said.
City Administrator Em Ang, executive director of Emergency Operations Center Task Force, said Transcom has resumed its operation on Feb. 8 after reportedly complying with the requirements set by the EOC.
The Transcom management also reportedly promised to observe mandatory guidelines set by the EOC on minimum health protocols.
Ang said that seven more Transcom employees out 121 who underwent swab tests last Friday turned COVID positive, bringing to 48 the total number of infected workers from the BPO firm.
Last week, the EOC enforced a two-day closure of Transcom for disinfection.
Investigation was conducted as to the possible lapses of the company to implement the minimum health protocols and it was found out that Transcom is not complying with the city ordinance on BacTrac registration.
Ticao said the DOLE inspection is in the best interest of the workers to ensure that the company is following labor laws. – MML
