DOLE orders work stoppage vs 6 vessels of MV June Aster owner

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has ordered the suspension of work aboard six vessels operated by Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc. following the deadly MV June Aster fire that killed 77 people in September.

The work stoppage orders were issued after labor inspectors uncovered multiple occupational safety and health violations aboard the company's vessels, which are docked at the Navotas Fish Port.

The orders followed inspections conducted on 10 October and a hearing led by Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino on 8 October.

Among the violations were the absence of occupational safety and health programs, emergency response plans, safety committees and trained safety officers.

Inspectors also found inadequate personal protective equipment and failures to submit mandatory occupational safety and health reports.

Beyond safety violations, DOLE uncovered more than P600,000 in labor-related deficiencies, including unpaid overtime, holiday and rest day pay, night shift differentials, withheld service incentive leave benefits and underpaid wages.

The findings raised further concerns over the operations of the Batangas-based shipping company, whose vessel, MV June Aster, caught fire off Coron, Palawan, on 9 September.

The disaster claimed 77 lives, while 43 people survived and eight remained missing, according to the Philippine Coast Guard's latest verified figures as of 13 October.

The tragedy has prompted investigations into the vessel's safety compliance and the possible accountability of its operators and other parties involved.

Earlier, DOLE said its investigation had identified violations of general labor standards and occupational safety requirements at the company.