OVER three million workers have so far been adversely affected by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic as well as the subsequent community quarantines imposed by the government to contain its spread.
Data from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) show that 3,023,587 workers have been affected by the twin occurrence, as of July 20.
“A total of 107,148 establishments covering 3,023,587 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 26,483 establishments covering 1,160,663 workers that implemented different flexible working schemes.
Previously, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III had called on employers to find ways to preserve jobs and prevent layoffs and retrenchments.
To do so, DOLE has urged businesses to use alternative work arrangements and avoid permanent closures.
