KALIBO, Aklan – Requesting payment for retirement benefits from a non-operational establishment due to the pandemic was challenging for a retired hotel worker here. Thus, he sought the assistance of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Through a successful conciliation of DOLE’s Capiz Field Office, the worker – an electrician and a native of Sapian, Capiz – was ensured of receiving his retirement claim of P361,665.
The worker was adversely affected when his company temporarily suspended its operation beginning March 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
With no income to support his daily needs, growing medical expenses and the schooling of his son, life became difficult. His health also required immediate attention; he had only one kidney left after undergoing an operation in 2019.
He turned 60 years old in 2021 when his company was still temporarily closed. With the uncertainty of returning to work, he decided to retire and avail himself of retirement benefits.
Virtual conciliation-mediation conferences through an online messaging application were conducted between the requesting party in Sapian, Capiz, the respondent in Manila through a representative in Aklan, and DOLE’s Single Entry Approach (SENA) desk officer in Roxas City, Capiz.
The company was facing financial challenges due to its temporary closure, but this did not get in the way to reach a compromise settlement agreed by both parties after the fifth meeting within the 30-day mandatory period, according to the news release from DOLE Region 6 under Regional Director Sixto Rodriguez Jr.
The settlement was made possible through the SENA, a 30-day mandatory conciliation-mediation intervention program to reach an amicable settlement of labor-related dispute.
Both parties agreed for an initial payment of P61,665 and the remaining balance will be paid through a P25,000 monthly payment until the entitlement is fully paid.
“I am very grateful to DOLE for helping me in my retirement claims. I need maintenance medicine because I only have one kidney left,” said the worker.
The settlement facilitated by DOLE was a blessing to the worker. Aside from making him able to buy his maintenance medicine to prevent prostate enlargement and high blood pressure, he was also able to undergo the required yearly CT (Computed tomography) scan monitoring.
The monthly payment also covered the school expenses of his son who is currently on the last year of his Hotel and Restaurant Management course.
“Without the SENA, I could have waited long and could receive very minimal payment. I thank DOLE because aside from the maintenance medicine, I was able to send back my child to school and I hope he will graduate this school year,” said the retired worker./PN
