PASAR resumes operations; no downsizing of personnel

ISABEL, LEYTE , Philippines – The Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corporation (PASAR) has issued an official statement on its resumption of operations after a fire that struck its boiler forced it to shut down last January 2.

In a statement coursed through PASAR’s official public relations arm, David Halley, the firm’s president and chief executive officer, said: “PASAR commenced the re-commissioning process of its smelting operations on July 4, 2012. Over the coming weeks we will progressively restart all areas of the plant and return to normal production. We are re-commissioning the smelter, refinery and other support plants and facilities with normal operational workforce levels, as we have not made any material changes in our processes.

“During the rehabilitation period from January - June 2012, we utilized 37 percent more contractual workers (additional 300 workers), essentially for the maintenance and repairs throughout the Plant. We also have not availed of the temporary lay-off option provided by our Labor Law during the shut-down thus we were able to maintain our skilled workforce,” said Halley. 

Halley also debunked claims that PASAR lost skilled operators to foreign companies that took the shutdown an opportunity to recruit from among their ranks. “In fact, we had a lower departure rate for the 1st half of 2012 compared to our 2011 level,” he said. — (FREEMAN)