WORKERS need to be protected against extremely high temperatures due to the prolonged dry season, a labor coalition said.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Nagkaisa Labor Coalition said that current laws and regulations "fall short in addressing the challenges and stresses faced by workers due to extreme heat."

"To bridge this gap, the coalition is spearheading initiatives to include heat leave within special or emergency leave provisions across Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) and legislative frameworks for those not covered by unions with CBAs. Nagkaisa is committed to making necessary adjustments in a consultative manner, engaging all stakeholders in the process," the group said.

Contruction workers taking their afternoon nap break inside the concrete pipes to catch some shade from the scorching heat of the sun.

Nagkaisa amplified its call for action "with a comprehensive strategy to mitigate the impacts of extreme heat on workers."

Several bills in Congress are being advocated by the labor group, such as Senate Bill 642 by Sen. Francis Tolentino for a five-day special emergency leave; Baguio City Rep. Mark Go's House Bill 988 seeking to increase service incentive leave; Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda's House Bill 663 proposing a two-day calamity leave; and House Bill 8847 that proposes a seven-day special leave by former Bulacan 1st District representative Jose Antonio Sy-Alvarado.

"Expanding its advocacy, Nagkaisa demands the implementation of mitigating measures against the effects of extreme heat, including providing personal protective equipment (PPE), free access to water, and alternative work arrangements, especially for workers like construction workers, street sweepers and delivery riders who are most vulnerable to heat exposure," the labor group stated. "The coalition also suggests the necessity of hazard pay by employers for workers exposed to such conditions."

They also urged regional offices of the Department of Labor and Employment "to inspect workers and their work environments in industries particularly impacted by extreme heat, ensuring adherence to safety and health standards" and called on Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma to convene the National Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (NTIPC) and its Technical Executive Committee (TEC).

"By advocating for a unified and robust policy that includes provisions for heat waves, along with demanding additional worker protections and the convening of the NTIPC and TEC, Nagkaisa is championing a proactive and protective stance for the health and welfare of Filipino workers against the evolving challenges posed by climate change," the labor coalition said.

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