THE ALLIANCE  of Concerned Teachers raised the question of overtime compensation for teachers who will render extended election service hours as Board of Election Inspectors in the May 9 national elections.

The issue arose after the Commission on Elections decided it cannot grant overtime pay to those who are not Comelec employees as per the agency’s letter-response to ACT last March 18.

The group reiterated the need to discuss this matter, along with others, in a dialogue with the commission.

“Teachers typically serve a total of 24 hours on election day alone, that’s equivalent to three 8-hour work days. If there’s a major hitch or problem, some BEIs are forced to render continuous service for 2 to 3 more days,” said ACT secretary-general Raymond Basilio.

“This was among the major issues in the 2019 mid-term elections, and we still haven’t been properly compensated for our teachers’ extended hours of service. If Comelec cannot pay for this, then who will? It can’t be another case of ‘TY’ (thank you), rendered services must be compensated – that’s a basic labor right.”

The group expressed its dissatisfaction over the Comelec’s  response which it said failed to address its valid concern, and instead merely showed an attempt to dodge responsibility.

Should it finally be granted the dialogue, the group expects a clear answer on how teachers will be granted overtime compensation.

“We fully expect Comelec to have worked something out with DepEd or whichever relevant agency to guarantee that our teacher-poll workers will be paid their dues,” said Basilio.

“Because to be frank, some of our teachers have already been demoralized due to the massive tax hike on their honoraria and allowances that diminished the spirit of which – to give due recognition to their indispensable role every election. We simply ask that our government ensure that all services rendered by our BEIs will be properly and sufficiently compensated.”

The group wrote another letter to the Comelec last March 31 to yet insist on a dialogue by April 6 to tackle the matter of overtime pay.