DOLE helps laid-off workers get separation benefits

VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur – Fourteen laid-off workers received their separation benefits through the intervention of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

DOLE-Ilocos Sur Field Office Head Emmanuel Hagad reported to Regional Director Nathaniel V. Lacambra the successful settlement of the workers’ case.

The workers lost their jobs at the ISS Facility Services Philippines after the Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation (PMFTC) closed its office here.

Last year, the tobacco firm informed the DOLE regional office it will cease operations on March 1. But DOLE found that the company actually closed on Feb. 1.

Twelve employees and two walk-in workers went to DOLE to seek help in getting their separation benefits. The requests were addressed through the Single Entry Approach (SENA), a process that provides speedy, impartial and less costly resolution of labor disputes.

Under the SENA, the parties undergo a 30-day mandatory conciliation and mediation period.

Through SENA Desk Officers Zhiara Paola Abero, Rosemarie Sebastian and Sherwin Keith Abalos, the workers received the total amount of P348,968.92 as settlement.

“Taos-puso po akong nagpapasalamat sa DOLE. Dahil sa SENA naging mas madali at maayos po ang pagkakaresolba ng aming problema sa dating trabaho,” Rex Unciano, 36-year-old resident of Barbarit, Magsingal, Ilocos Sur, said after getting his benefits.

Charlie Tacho, a 40-year-old resident of Pantay Fatima, Vigan City, also expressed his gratitude for the efficient resolution of the issue.

“Dahil po sa SENA, mas lalo ko pang naintindihan ang aking mga karapatan bilang isang manggagawa. Maraming salamat po sa DOLE,” Taco said.