Duty Free retrenchment to displace over 700 workers

MANILA, Philippines — A labor group yesterday reiterated its appeal to the government to stop the impending retrenchment at Duty Free Philippines, which is expected to displace over 700 workers.

The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) urged President Marcos to consider the welfare of Duty Free employees.

According to FFW president Sonny Matula, Marcos has the authority to stop the retrenchment plan under Republic Act 10149 or the Government Owned and Controlled Corporation Governance Act of 2011.

Matula noted that the management of Duty Free adopted rules of the reorganization plan without consulting the workers’ union.

“This is alarming as the implementing rules and regulations penalize employees affected by the retrenchment from re-employment in public service within five years,” Matula said in a letter to the President.

“There was no due process. The employees were not fully aware of the restructuring plan,” Matula added.

The reorganization plan will deprive Duty Free employees of their right to security of tenure, he said.

Matula suggested cleaning up the Duty Free management first before appointing new officials amid complaints, such as rampant smuggling, which remain pending at the President’s office.