MICT shares workplace best practices for sustainable COVID-19 recovery

Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) Human Resources Director Jose Carlo S. Javier outlined International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) group-wide efforts to minimize the transmission and impact of the coronavirus across its terminals, employees, and stakeholders, during the Securities and Exchange Commission – Global Reporting Initiative (SEC-GRI) Philippine Learning Series last 25 August.

Mr. Javier stressed the importance of being decisive, flexible, and open to continuous improvement as key to MICT’s uninterrupted operations despite the lockdowns.

To ensure business continuity, MICT did two things. First, they secured on-site operations by conducting health screenings at the terminal’s entry points and provided employees with PPEs, transportation, and travel documents in compliance with the Government’s lockdown policy. Second, they established remote work arrangements for eligible employees. 

Aside from these measures, MICT also shifted several processes to online to limit physical interaction between employees and customers. Other terminal processes were also improved over time. 

MICT also empowered the terminal clinic’s role in screening employees with symptoms like cough, cold, and fever, among others. Those with symptoms were asked to report their conditions by calling the clinic instead of coming in for on-site checkup. All reported cases, on the other hand, were automatically quarantined.

As part of the continuous process and protocol improvements at the terminal, MICT also continues to support its workforce through COVID testing and vaccination for employees and their qualified dependents, adjustment of medical benefits to cover COVID-related expenses, assistance in securing hospital beds for employees with severe COVID cases, and acquisition of additional oxygen tanks that can be lent to employees.

Mr. Javier also highlighted in the forum how MICT labor unions supported the terminal’s vaccination campaign by encouraging their members and their families to get vaccinated. Around 99 percent of employees have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Organized by the Global Reporting Initiative and the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission, the workshop series focuses on how publicly listed companies can integrate sustainability in their operations during the pandemic, particularly in the areas of human capital and work environment.