At least 40,000 jeepney drivers in Metro Manila would join in the three-day strike beginning today, adding that the suspension of schools and work in government offices is an acknowledgment that the mobilization has the potential to cripple public transit, according to a transportation group.
Manibela president Mar Valbuena told The STAR yesterday that everything is ready for the impending transit strike.
He stated that jeepney drivers were pleased with the issue of Memorandum Circular Number 25, which suspended classes at all levels as well as work in Metro Manila government offices.
He stated that the suspension of classes and work in government offices was due to the transportation strike, not the potential impact of Tropical Storm Egay.
According to him, the Palace suspension order allows transportation unions to call a halt to the walkout.
The group will decide today whether or not to continue the strike until Wednesday, he added.
Despite numerous meetings with the LTFRB, Valbuena claimed that the agency failed to address the complaints of jeepney drivers.
According to Valbuena, the LTFRB aims to eliminate conventional jeepneys because those who participate in the modernization program lose at least P200,000 every month.
He said that the transport strike would be felt throughout the country, particularly in Regions 3 and 4.
According to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), workers may choose not to go to work today owing to severe weather caused by Storm Egay or the transport strike.
Workers may choose or even refuse to report for work "due to imminent danger," according to Labor Advisory No. 17 of 2022, according to Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma.
Laguesma stated that the Labor Advisory is still in effect and that the DOLE can simply quote it for the assistance of employees and employers.
However, under the Labor Advisory, a worker who fails to report for work is not entitled to regular compensation unless there is a favorable corporate policy or collective bargaining agreement allowing for wage payment during a suspension of work due to inclement weather or other comparable situations.
