KMU sets up mobile help desk centers for retrenched workers

Kilusang Mayo Uno, together with Migrante International, has put up a help desk center infront of the National Labor Relations Commission office today to address the concerns of retrenched Filipino workers both locally and abroad.

“The DOLE, NLRC, and the Macapagal-Arroyo government have grossly neglected the many victims of massive lay-offs. Workers are displaced illegally and in the rudest manners,” said Wilson Baldonaza, KMU Secretary General.

The KMU help desk is where workers can report all information on the case of their dismissal, can consult on the best options and actions they can do, and can be referred by KMU to proper offices for assistance in legal and non-legal matters.

KMU enjoined displaced workers to join the newly formed Samahan Laban sa Tanggalan at Kontraktwalisasyon (STK), a broad organization of displaced workers and long-time contractuals, initiated by various groups.

“Many dismissed workers were surprised about their retrenchment and only knew that they will no longer have the job only a day or days before it is effected. Many also do not receive any separation benefits from their companies,” Baldonaza reported.

“Furthermore, the massive retrenchments were also abused to institutionalize and legalize labor flexibilization schemes that deprive the worker more. It is very untrue that labor flex schemes, such as wage cuts, reduced shifts, forced leaves, contractualization, and others, are the only solutions to prevent mass lay-offs.

“Corporations are still raking in profits amid the economic crisis, and it only us who carry the burden. The DOLE and Arroyo administration sides easily with the big business in dealing with the job crisis, serving more injustice and abuses to our Juan Obreros,” Baldonaza added.

KMU plans to set-up more help desk centers in more areas of the country. ###