"EU, ILO express concern over PH work conditions" 16 May 2015

The European Union (EU) delegation to the Philippines and the International Labor Organization (ILO) yesterday expressed concern over the reported poor labor conditions and lack of proper safety standards that may have contributed to the death of over 70 workers in a fire at a footwear factory in Valenzuela...The ILO, meanwhile, said the death of the workers could have been prevented had precautionary measures been imposed...The ILO expressed willingness to work with employers and workers’ groups and other stakeholders to improve health conditions in workplaces nationwide.The building housing Kentex Manufacturing has been described as a death trap with sweatshop conditions and poor fire safety standards by survivors, relatives and labor groups...[Partido Manggagawa's chair, Renato Magtubo] pushed for stronger labor enforcement and labor inspection as well as the imposition of sanctions against those liable for the tragedy...The labor leader criticized the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for allegedly being lenient in enforcing labor and safety standards...But the International League of People’s Struggle (ILPS-Phils) yesterday warned of a possible “cover up” in the investigation on the tragedy...