‘CIA with BA’: Do non-regular employees have the right to complain to DOLE?

Workplace rights are often misunderstood, especially by young professionals who are just starting their careers. Many new employees believe they have little to no protection until they become regular workers. But is this really the case under Philippine labor law?

In the recent episode of “CIA with BA,” the Tanong ng Pilipino segment featured Luis from Sta. Mesa, Manila, a fresh graduate on his first job.

He asked: “Bagong graduate ako at first job ko itong trabaho ko ngayon. Totoo bang wala akong karapatang magsumbong sa DOLE kung hindi pa ako regular?”

Atty. Marian Cayetano addressed this misconception directly. She clarified: “Hindi po totoo na porke hindi kayo regular, hindi na kayo pwedeng magsumbong sa DOLE.”

She emphasized that all employees, regardless of status, are covered by labor protections.

“Para mas malinaw, lahat ng manggagawa, whether regular o hindi regular, may mga karapatan pong protektado ng ating batas,” she explained.

Among these rights are proper wages, overtime pay, protection against discrimination and harassment, and the assurance of a safe and healthy work environment.

“Isa sa mga karapatan na ‘to, of course, ‘yung tamang pagpapasweldo, or dapat nababayaran sila ng OT (overtime), or hindi sila pwedeng madiskrimina o ma-harass sa kanilang trabaho, or dapat safe and healthy ‘yung working environment nila,” she added.

With that, Atty. Marian underscored that probationary workers should never feel powerless. “So ‘pag ganon po, hindi po ibig sabihin na [kapag] bagong graduate, hindi pa regular, hindi na sila protektado ng batas at wala silang magagawa, so pwedeng-pwedeng magsumbong sa DOLE,” she said.

The discussion served as a timely reminder for young professionals that labor rights apply from day one of employment. Even probationary workers can and should report violations to the Department of Labor and Employment if their rights are compromised.

“CIA with BA,” led by Senator Alan Cayetano and award-winning TV host Boy Abunda, continues the legacy of the late Sen. Rene “Compañero” Cayetano. The program airs every Sunday at 11:00 p.m. on GMA7, with replays every Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on GTV.