The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines hails the victory of 30 cameramen and assistant cameramen who the Supreme Court ordered GMA Network to reinstate with full backwages, allowances and other benefits from 2013, when they were illegally dismissed, to the time of their actual reinstatement.
The 3rd Division decision penned by Justice Marvic Leonen stressed that the complainants are employees and not independent contractors hired because of unique skills, talent or celebrity status.
“Employees who perform functions which are necessary and desirable to the usual business and trade of the employer attain regular status from the time of engagement,” the ruling said.
We thank the 3rd Division for recognizing and upholding the rights of media workers, far too many of whom continue to be deprived of the benefits of regularization.
We call on all media houses to look to the welfare of their employees and fully recognize their rights and privileges.
National Directorate
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