The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) yesterday welcomed the introduction of e-jeepneys and its monthly salarization scheme to its drivers as a possible introduction of a paradigm shift to alleviate the plight of thousands of Filipino drivers and reduce emission of fossil-fuel pollution.
“The introduction of regular monthly salary to e-jeepney drivers could probably change the daily calculus of our drivers in terms of income and working environment. Nowadays, with the boundary system, they are earning a measly 300 to 400 pesos take home pay after a day’s 10-hour rigorous work. Yet, if they are paid with e-jeepneys’ regular salary, well, this can spell an improvement in their way of life,” said Democrito Mendoza, TUCP President.
Mendoza also emphasized that with the current e-jeepney concept as introduced, drivers will not just enjoy the security of a dignified waged earner but they will also contribute in minimizing the pollution in their working environment.
“With the e-jeepney, drivers’ exposure and their contribution to the pollution on the streets where they work is dramatically lessened. If pollution in their working environment is minimized, they tend to be more productive,” Mendoza added.
Mendoza made the reaction in view of the granting of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) franchise the other day to 21 e-jeepneys to ply some select routes in Makati City beginning tomorrow March 1.
There are 203,000 estimated registered fossil-fuelled jeepneys with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), and around 50,000 of which are in Metro Manila.
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