DOLE vows to assist Sofitel employees affected by shutdown

MANILA – The Department of Labor and Employment on Wednesday said the agency is ready to assist around 500 employees of Sofitel Hotel in Pasay City who will be affected by its closure on July 1.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the agency has standby programs that could help those employees who will be displaced by the shutdown.

Laguesma said the department could guide them on employment facilitation, referrals and secure livelihood assistance.

"Nakaantabay ang mga programa ng Department of Labor and Employment may kinalaman doon sa tinatawag na employment facilitation, referral, pagbibigay ng gabay kung nais ng mga maapektuhang empleyado na magkaroon ng tinatawag na livelihood programs at tsaka karagdagang pagsasanay (DOLE's programs are on standby, such as the employment facilitation, referral, we culd also give them advise on livelihood programs and further training)," Laguesma said in an interview.

The DOLE chief also said he had a brief meeting with the hotel’s management and was assured that the separation packages for their employees and workers are now being discussed.

"May naka ready na budget para sa separation. May union ang mga rank and file at yun din supervisors group me union din at sila ang kumakatawan sa mga manggagawa dahil merong silang tinatawag na collective bargaining agreement kung saan ay may probisyon doon ang pagkakaloob ng mga benepisyo (The budget for the separation is available. The rank and file employees has union, as well as the supervisors group, and they represent the worker, because they have a collective bargaining agreement where there is a provision about benefits," Laguesma said.

"Meron silang mas maayos na package para matulungan yung kanilang mga manggagawa (They have a well prepared package to help their workers)," he added.

The 51-year-old hotel will have its last day of business on June 30, according to its president, Esteban Peña Sy.

He said the hotel is closing due to safety issues.  (PNA)