Since the launching of its regional 24/7 SMS hotline, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) XI had responded to a total of 158 messages as of November 16, 2017.

Most of the messages include queries and complaints on wages, separation pay, work schedule, social benefits, contracts and companies for referral for inspection. Some clients also named companies which have been subjected for inspection.

Other than Davao Region, the hotline also had catered clients from other Mindanao cities and cities in Luzon.

“With our 24/7 regional SMS hotline operations, we have provided another avenue for our clients to send their queries and concerns. This is especially for those who don’t have the time and the means to visit our office,” DOLE XI Regional Director Joffrey M. Suyao said.

 Moreover, to expand the hotline’s reach within the region, information materials have been disseminated in DOLE Provincial Offices.

The establishment of DOLE XI’s text hotline is in compliance to President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s directive and Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III’s Administrative Order No. 409, series of 2016 directing all heads of DOLE’s attached agencies, regional offices, and Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) to set-up their respective 24/7 DOLE Hotline Services.

DOLE XI text hotline will provide immediate response to different labor queries, concerns and complaints especially those in crisis and emergency situations, victims of illegal recruitment and trafficking-in-persons; separated workers claiming unpaid wages and benefits; workers engaged in temporary or atypical work arrangements not in accordance with existing labor laws and regulations; and local and overseas workers claiming social and health insurance benefits within the jurisdiction of DOLE agencies.

DOLE XI 24/7 text hotline can be reached through:

For Smart and TNT Users: send to 391-3653

Text: <Location> <query/concern/complaint> <company> <Your Name (optional)>

For Other networks (Sun, Globe, TM): send to 0908-896-8278

Text: DOLEXI <Location> <query/concern/complaint> <company> <Your Name (optional)>

Clients needing phone assistance will be given a reference number and will be referred to a designated mobile number wherein they may be able to talk to a labor and employment officer.

Kriztja Marae G. Labrador/LCO-DOLEXI