Malonzo hit for dismissal of 11 workers

Caloocan City Mayor Reynaldo Malonzo was lambasted by an organization of government employee unions nationwide for his alleged illegal termination of 11 city hall employees that took effect last week.

The 300,000-strong Courage, an umbrella organization of government workers, said Malonzo was merely harassing the employees who were identified with his political rival.

In an open letter, Courage said the sacking of 11 leaders of Kasamaka, a legitimate union of employees of the Caloocan City government, was a clear indication that the mayor was trying to bust the union.

Ferdie Gaite, Courage spokesman, said the harassment started when the terminated employees spearheaded the move demanding the employees unpaid benefits and bonuses.

"Instead of heeding the employees' demands, Malonzo retaliated and sent the leaders to far-flung areas and reassigned them to work not included in their appointments," he noted.

Malonzo defended the termination, saying it has nothing to do with union busting, but it was mainly because of their continued absences and their failure to deliver the jobs assigned them.

Gaite said they are now preparing to file charges against Malonzo with the Public Sector Labor Management Council for abuse of discretion and illegal dismissal.

"Malonzo cried foul when he was pushed to the wall by President Estrada through a series of graft cases. He called on his constituents to rally for him. Now, we will also muster the support of Caloocan communities to rally against him," Gaite added.