OVER three million workers have been adversely affected by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic as well as the subsequent community quarantines imposed to curb the spread of the virus.
Data from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) showed that 3,023,601 workers have been affected as of July 26.
“A total of 107,152 establishments covering 3,023,601 workers are implementing flexible work arrangements (FWAs) and temporary closure (TC),” said the DOLE report.
In particular, a total of 82,561 establishments with 1,993,314 workers resorted to temporary stoppage of operations during the outbreak.
On the other hand, there were 26,487 establishments covering 1,160,677 workers that implemented different flexible working schemes.
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III had called on employers to exert more efforts in preserving jobs and prevent layoffs and retrenchments.
To do so, DOLE has urged businesses to use alternative work arrangements to avoid permanent closures.
