‘Displaced network workers can come to us’

ABS-CBN employees who lost their job following the broadcast network’s shutdown need not feel helpless anymore.

This developed as the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) committed to provide the displaced workers assistance in coping with the job loss amid the on-going pandemic.

“We share the sadness of the thousands of workers and employees of ABS-CBN who are affected by the decision of the House of Representatives to deny the network’s application for a new franchise,” Labor Undersecretary Ana C. Dione said in a statement.

“The verdict may be unfortunate for that would mean imminent job loss for a significant number of employees of one of the largest media enterprises in the country. But the workers are not helpless. We are ready to extend the necessary assistance to all employees who may be displaced as a result of the congressional action,” she added.

Besides, our labor laws mandate a company that reduces its workforce or has ceased operations to provide its employees with severance pay or similar emoluments.

Dione pointed out if termination, reduction, or displacement of the workforce becomes unavoidable, the first thing ABS-CBN should do is compensate the employees because it is legally bound to pay separation benefits to those who are retrenched or terminated.

She said the agency’s National Capital Region office has been directed to determine the exact number of ABS-CBN employees, their identity and the nature of their employment.

“So, as early as now, we need to know how many and who among their workers are entitled to those benefits,” Dione said.

According to the labor official, if ABS-CBN really cares for its workers, then the network is morally bound to give everyone the emoluments that the law provides.

“Besides, our labor laws mandate a company that reduces its workforce or has ceased operations to provide its employees with severance pay or similar emoluments,” Dione said.

“The employees should, therefore, be assured that they are getting separation benefits, and start anew,” she added.

The network’s 25-year franchise lapsed on 10 July after the majority of the members of the House Committee on Legislative Franchises voted to deny its renewal.

An estimated 11,000 lost their employment.