TRABAHO Partylist calls for urgent action to protect workers amid dengue outbreak
AMID rising concerns over the recent surge in dengue cases reported by the Department of Health (DOH), TRABAHO Partylist has renewed its call for stronger worker protection and support measures, including benefits for sick leave, medical care, and time off or emergency leave to care for family members affected by the illness.
The DOH has recently confirmed a sharp increase in dengue cases across several localities, with nine local government units (LGUs) showing alarming rates of infection and dengue-related deaths. With this uptick in cases, the health department has urged local authorities to intensify efforts in combating the spread of the mosquito-borne virus.
TRABAHO Partylist spokesperson Atty. Mitchell-David L. Espiritu emphasized that workers, particularly those in industries where exposure to the outdoors is high, are at greater risk of contracting the disease due to increased mosquito activity in certain areas.
“Dengue outbreaks are not only a public health concern but also a direct threat to workers’ health and well-being. It’s crucial that our government ensures that workers are protected during this time,” said Atty. Espiritu. “It’s not enough to focus on preventing the spread of the virus; we must also ensure that those who become ill due to dengue have access to the necessary benefits and support.”
TRABAHO Partylist is calling for immediate reforms to enhance workers’ protection during this health crisis, including the expansion of sick leave benefits for employees who contract dengue. The partylist advocates for policies that guarantee paid sick leave for workers who need to take time off to recover from the disease without fear of losing their income.
Atty. Espiritu added their proposal for the provision of time off for workers who need to care for family members who have contracted dengue, stressing that workers should be allowed to take paid or unpaid leave to care for sick relatives without fear of losing their jobs. With dengue often affecting multiple members of the same household, this support is essential to help families manage the crisis, he noted.
As the dengue outbreak continues to spread, TRABAHO Partylist aims to advocate for the passage of stronger labor laws that guarantee health and safety measures in the workplace, as well as comprehensive social safety nets that support workers during times of illness, said Atty. Espiritu.
