CaPEx, a courier company in Pasay City, was sued for allegedly forcing employees to enter even though they were positive for COVID-19.
Starting this Thursday, the local government unit (LGU) of Pasay has placed a 7 -day lockdown on the office of Cargo Padala Express Forwarding Services Corp. (CaPEx).
The LGU received a complaint stating that on January 7 and 8, the company’s management forced the admission of some COVID-positive employees due to a lack of people.
This allegedly includes drivers and checkers who even interacted with clients and other people in their offices.
According to the company’s boss, employees can enter if they are asymptomatic.
Employees were also forced to report due to the “no work, no pay” policy.
The LGU found that more than 50 people tested positive for COVID-19 in the office, according to Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano.
“Talagang inamin din naman ng [human resources] ng CaPEx na talagang nakapagpapasok nga raw sila, since they are a courier company. At tinest na iyong mga tao tapos pinabayaan nila pumasok dahil sa kakulangan sa manpower,” said Rubiano.
Aside from the 7-day lockdown, Pasay City explained to the company within two days why their business permit should not be revoked.
CaPEx allegedly forcing COVID-positive employees to work
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) also investigated the company and found that it did not comply with occupational safety and health standards.
In a statement sent to ABS-CBN News, CaPEx insisted that they were cleared of any health protocol violation based on the DOLE investigation.
According to Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, a person who is positive for COVID-19 cannot be forced to enter work.
According to Labor Assistant Secretary Dominique Tutay, when it comes to COVID-19 testing of employees, it can be passed on to the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. or the employer’s liability.
He said it could not be just deducted from the employee’s salary.
Employers are responsible for making sure their virus-positive staff can be isolated, Tutay said.
Acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles warned that employers who force COVID-positive employees to work would face penalties.
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