ROXAS City – A total of 342 displaced construction workers in Pontevedra, Capiz finally received compensation reaching P1,142, 640.72.
The amount covered underpayment of wages, 13th month pay and illegal deductions, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 6.
The compensation was facilitated via DOLE’s Single Entry Approach (e-SEnA).
The peaceful settlement started from the request for assistance filed by the workers who were displaced when their construction company ceased its operations in Pontevedra.
The distance between the requesting party in Capiz and the responding party’s main office in Metro Manila did not deter the SEnA Desk Officer (SEADO) to let the parties settle.
The online or electronic SEnA provided a virtual platform for online settlements of labor issues.
“The e-SEnA was developed so that displaced workers and the employers can avail themselves of the services for settlement of labor disputes without leaving their homes,” said DOLE – Capiz Field Office head Amalia Judicpa.
Through virtual conferences, SEADO Jahara Suzzane Baron assisted the workers and persistently convinced the responding party to settle their obligations.
After a series of online meetings, DOLE successfully facilitated the release of money claims.
“We are glad that another labor issue was resolved peacefully even if the parties were miles apart,” said Regional Director Cyril Ticao.
He added: “The e-SEnA manifests the Department’s determination to continuously promote industrial peace and a healthy relationship in the work place during this pandemic.”/PN
