By BENJIE OLIVEROS Bulatlat perspective The general public, even the government, expressed shock over the death of more than 72 workers in a fire that gutted the factory of Kentex, makers of local rubber slippers Havanas. Labor Sec. Rosalinda Baldoz vowed to look into the liability of Kentex and run after CJC Manpower Services, the…
“Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz has perpetuated a climate of impunity when it comes to compliance with occupational health and safety standards.”
Sixty-nine workers died on the second floor of the building, belying claims by the factory owner and the Labor Department that Kentex complied with labor standards, building, fire and safety requirements.
The workers had nowhere to jump to, and they also could not have escaped the building because of the steel windows, the thick glass, and a layer of ‘chicken’ wire.