MANILA — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has ordered a hamburger chain to regularize its 704 workers after finding several violations of general labor laws and standards, including labor-only contracting activities.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the department said it has ordered Burger King (Perf Restaurants, Inc.) to give workers in its 44 store-branches in Metro Manila a regular employment status.
Based on the results of the joint assessment conducted by labor law compliance officers, the fast food firm and its five contractors were found engaged in labor-only contracting activities.
DOLE noted that one of its contractors, Fusion Integrated Service Cooperative, provides employment contracts to workers with probationary status without specifying the duration of their employment, a scheme that circumvents the right of workers to security of tenure.
“The principal and its four other contractors have deployed workers, who are performing activities, which are directly related to the main business operation of the food chain,” the statement added.
The department said that the contractors also do not have substantial capital as the employees use the principal’s equipment and tools in the performance of their outsourced services.
The principal and contactors were found to be non-compliant with the Occupational Safety and Health Standards for lacking trained safety personnel and a certified first aider.
Burger King and its contractors were also directed to immediately issue appointment letters and payroll reflecting the entitlements of the affected workers as regular employees. (PNA)
