MANILA, Philippines – A labor activist group on Wednesday urged the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to look into the alleged practice of contractualization in television networks and other media outfits.

“The situation that media workers in the country are always in danger of being harmed or killed makes us even more concerned. Now, even their economic rights are in jeopardy,” said Anakapawis Rep. Joel Maglunsod.

Maglunsod issued the call following the dismissal of 25 workers of the ABS-CBN Internal Job Market (IJM). The workers were mostly assigned in the network’s technical operations, production, and News and Current Affairs divisions doing camera work, lights, sounds, and VTR.

“Contractualization of labor or labor-only contracting is a violation of the Philippine Labor Code and considered as unfair labor practice based on international labor standards. We are surprised that ABS-CBN has its own manpower agency within its company that promotes contractual work and evades the regularization of employees,” Maglunsod said in a statement.

On Tuesday, the “dismissed” workers filed to the National Labor Relations Commission charges of illegal dismissal and unfair labor practice, alleging union busting by ABS-CBN management.

The lawmaker also wants the ABS-CBN management to explain why it has promoted its employees to ‘permanent contractual’ status.

The solon said most of the employees in media outfits, especially in those without unions, workers organizations and collective bargaining agreements, are considered as ‘talents’ and not as employees of the company.

“Contractual employees are always vulnerable to spin-offs, cost cutting and restructuring programs of the company. They may receive some of the benefits provided for regular employees but they are still contractual - without job security and at risk of being terminated anytime,” Maglunsod said.

He said Anakpawis partylist group, led by Rep. Rafael Mariano, will file a legislative measure in the 15th Congress directing the House Committee on Labor and the Congressional Oversight Committee on Labor and Employment to probe into the situation of workers in the media industry.

Some of the dismissed workers on Wednesday launched a picket in front of the ABS-CBN compound.

In a statement, Antonio Perez of the ABS-CBN IJM workers’ union head, said: ““The Kapamilya network is setting a very dangerous precedent in the broadcasting industry. Workers in other networks and media outfits can be easily terminated and may never have the chance to form a union if the ABS-CBN management triumphs in these moves against us. So we vow to fight with all our collective might,” Perez said.