Displaced workers up – DOLE

More and more workers are displaced in Metro Manila despite improvements in the economy, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reported yesterday.

Data from the DOLE-Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics (BLES) showed an almost 100 percent growth in the number of workers displaced due to closures of commercial firms in Metro Manila.

Based on data gathered by BLES, a total of 37,789 workers were retrenched following closures of almost 2,000 firms in 2006.

The figure was almost double compared to the more than 19,000 workers affected by the permanent closures of commercial establishments in year 2004.

In 2005, BLES recorded a total of 31,854 displaced workers in Metro Manila.

A majority of the commercial establishments cited economic difficulties and lack of market as reasons for the closures and retrenchment of workers.

Labor officials said Metro Manila accounts for the biggest number of commercial firms resorting to closures and retrenchment of workers due to economic difficulties.

As this developed, the DOLE has expanded its package of assistance for workers affected by company closures.

The program aims to facilitate the employment as well as livelihood assistance for displaced workers.

The DOLE, through its Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs), has set up regional offices to provide training for displaced workers who would like to put up their own business.