A labor group leader on Monday expressed willingness to join the government’s drive to reduce child workers in the country by as much as 630,000 by 2022, and volunteered to help monitor cases of child labor.
“We have never wanted children to work too soon. Workers give it all and work hard everyday so as to provide for the needs of their family, their children,” said Julius Cainglet, vice president of the Federation of Free Workers.
The FFW made the move following Labor Undersecretary Joel Maglungsod’s statement that the government has committed to remove 630,000 children from child labor by 2022.
“Eliminating child labor, especially its worst forms, is fundamental. It’s a core international labor standard. Once a child is abused and exploited at work, it will lessen his or her chances at landing a decent job when she or he reaches legal working age,” Cainglet said.
“Working too soon also compromises the child’s opportunity to access quality education. Juggling work and studies at such a young age is difficult as their frail bodies and undeveloped minds do not have the capacity to deal with the stress and pressure,” Cainglet said.
The Philippines is a signatory to the International Labor Organization Convention 138 on the Minimum Age for Work; and Convention 182 on Eliminating the Worst Forms of Child Labor.