THE Federation of Free Workers (FFW) yesterday joined their public sector counterparts in opposing the looming passage of the rightsizing bill in the House of Representatives.
In a statement, FFW president Sonny Matula said they are one with government workers in rejecting House Bill No. 7240 as it seeks to further streamline their ranks.
“We are calling on the House of Representatives to exercise caution, avoid haste, and consult public sector workers before passing the bill on third reading and sending it to the Senate,” Matula said.
He said they are concerned that the proposed measure will have adverse effects on rank-and-file government workers, similar to what happened during previous rationalization efforts in the public sector.
“These efforts resulted in the emaciation of rank-and-file workers, a bloated top, institutionalization of contractualization schemes, and the privatization of public services,” the labor leader said.
He urged government workers to make sure their positions on the matter are known by authorities concerned.
“We call on the government to ensure workers’ representation as it is crucial that the voices and concerns of the workers are heard and addressed throughout the process,” said Matula.
Last Wednesday, the Lower House passed on second reading the proposed “National Government Rightsizing Act.”
The bill provides for the streamlining of the operations of different agencies under the Executive branch of government.
The House of Representatives is expected to approve the bill this week on its third and final reading.
