DOLE on ‘rationalization’: Early retirement, not layoffs

Despite the implementation of a "rationalization" program next year, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has assured its employees that none of them would be displaced.

Labor Undersecretary for Employment Danilo Cruz said many employees have opted for early retirement, which comes with a package of benefits.

"Government employees, including those who will be affected by the program, have the option to retire or be transferred to essential positions so it’s their choice, and they are therefore happy with it," he said.

"Close to a hundred employees voluntarily applied for early retirement which means that they have plans other than to continue working with the government," Cruz said.

He said no DOLE employee has been forced to retire due to the rationalization program.

"Those who hold redundant positions but do not wish to retire would be realigned to essential positions that have been vacant or created under the rationalization program," he added.

Cruz said the rationalization program is part of government efforts to improve services by dissolving redundant offices and posts.

Earlier, Labor Assistant Secretary Ma. Anthonette Allones said the government was awaiting approval from the Department of Budget and Management before implementing the rationalization program.

Many employees from the DOLE main office and attached agencies have applied for early retirement, seeking the financial benefits and other incentives offered under the program, she added.

Allones said under this program, the DOLE will be dissolving several offices and positions that have been deemed redundant or non-functional.

"There will be no displacements because those to be affected will just be transferred to other essential positions that have been vacant for a long time," she said.

"We cannot declare all their positions redundant (because) some applying for the incentives are holding essential positions," she said. — Mayen Jaymalin