Household helpers can anticipate a generous Christmas present as the Kasambahay Bill is expected to be passed into law before the year ends. This bill seeks to standardize the wages of domestic workers and provide them with social benefits.
On Tuesday’s Senate hearing of the bill, minimum wages for domestic workers were established at P2,500 per month in the NCR; P2,000 per month for chartered cities and first class municipalities; and P1,500 per month for others.
Aside from this, employers should provide for their helper’s SSS, PhilHealth and Pag-ibig Fund contributions if their salary is below P5,000 a month. Workers whose salaries are at least P5,000 will have to share in the SSS and Pag-ibig contributions, while the PhilHealth premium remains as the employer’s responsibility.
Kasambahays who have served their employers for more than a year are entitled to a five-day incentive leave with pay and 13th month pay. Employers are also required to enable their helpers to complete basic schooling and to have access to other forms of education, whether technical, vocational or other alternative forms of learning.
The bill also stipulates that employing minors below 15 years old is illegal and that employers are prohibited from keeping their kasambahays under debt bondage.
Labor-related disputes will be handled by DOLE regional offices while regular offenses should be filed at local courts.
The Senate hopes that the passing of this bill into law will help uphold the rights of domestic workers and protect them from employer abuse, Interaksyon.com reported.
