DESPITE the peaceful settlement between the management and workers union of their labor dispute, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) yesterday said it is ready to provide the necessary assistance to those who were displaced by the closure of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila last July 1.
In a phone interview, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the DOLE will be offering assistance to all workers displaced by the hotel’s closure regardless if they will receive a separation package or not.
“Those not availing of the separation will be provided assistance thru the different programs of the DOLE,” said Laguesma, adding: “Even those who have availed or will avail will likewise be assisted with appropriate DOLE programs.”
The labor chief said discussions with the displaced workers on the desired form of DOLE intervention has already started.
“We are looking at livelihood projects and employment facilitation other than temporary or emergency employment,” said Laguesma.
In a separate statement, the DOLE – National Capital Region said it has began holding talks with the affected hotel workers.
Discussions are mainly focused on the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program, its objectives, components, phases of implementation, requirements, and its application process.
Last July 2, the Philippine Plaza Holdings Inc., which represents the management, and the National Union of Workers in Hotel, Restaurant, and Allied Industries (NUWHRAIN), which represent the workers, announced the signing of a labor settlement agreement, which included a fixed separation package, as well as continuation but suspension of their employment relationship while the hotel is not operating.
Last July 1, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila officially closed its doors after more than four decades of operation in Pasay City.
An estimated 1,000 workers, who have been insisting that Sofitel is merely undergoing rehabilitation and renovation, were affected by the closure of Sofitel.
