At least 337 workers of an electronics solution provider at the Mactan Export Processing Zone (MEPZ) in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu are the latest to lose their jobs after the company stopped operating in September 2024.
Since 2023, up to 7,883 workers at MEPZ lost their jobs. Among the reasons cited by locators in letting go of employees include redundancy, restructuring, and retrenchment.
As of this writing, at least seven locators have ceased operations completely. The latest to close shop is the electronics solution provider that opened at MEPZ 1 in 2009.
In February 2024, the company had to let go of 40 employees reportedly due to redundancy. When it decided to close down on Sept. 9, 2024, it had to let go of up to 337 workers.
Among the workers is Connie, a single mother.
With her job gone, she has to work double time to find another one so she can provide for her four children.
She and the other workers received their last pay on Sept. 25, 2024.
Based on the notice of termination issued by the company, the workers also received a half month equivalent of their salary for every year of service, accrued leave credits, and 13th month pay.
Help
At least 290 of the workers displaced have sought help with the Public Employment Services Office (PESO) of Lapu-Lapu City.
According to PESO Manager Kim Francisco, the HR manager of the company has promised to send a complete list of employees affected.
Francisco said they will endorse the employees to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-7 for financial assistance and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-7 for livelihood assistance.
PESO will also organize three job fairs in October 2024, as well as a local and overseas job fair in November. — GMA Regional TV
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