Thousands of government workers may lose jobs
Thousands of government workers may lose jobs
MANILA, Philippnes - Thousands more are facing the prospect of joining the swelling ranks of the unemployed, as several government bureaus and agencies are planning to reorganize and streamline their operations.
COURAGE Philippines or the Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees-Philippines, the umbrella organization of public sector unions in the country, is appealing to incoming President Benigno Aquino III, to reverse the previous government's policy of privatization.
COURAGE also called for Aquino to rescind Executive Order 366, signed in 2004 by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
EO 366 called for the review of the operations and organizations of the executive branch, and provided options and incentives for government employees who may be affected by the rationalization of all functions and agencies of the government.
Among those that are affected by EO 366 are the Philippine Ports Authority, National Housing Authority, National Food Authority and the Philippines Postal Service.
"Unless the situation is reversed by the incoming administration, this is the proverbial Damocles sword that could be dropped on small workers of the government," said Ferdie Garte, president of COURAGE.
At the National Power Corp., employees are bracing for the reorganization.
From 8,000 employees in 2001, the workforce was cut to 6,000 in 2003 and a further 3,000 this year.
In the planned Napocor reorganization,50% of the existing manpower will be terminated, with 90% of the company's power generation plants already privatized or sold to the private sector.
Jimmy Salman, North Luzon president of the Power Generation Employees Association, said employees are preparing for the eventuality, but are pressing for a bigger separation package to help them cope while they are unemployed.
Meanwhile, the Civil Service commission reminded newly-elected officials that they cannot remove regular employees, and replace them with workers of their choice.
"Just to remind the new local government executives, they should respect career civil servants," said Francisco Duque, chairman of the Civil Service Commission.
He said that even the transfer, promotion or demotion of regular employees are governed by civil service laws.based on a report of Alvin Elchico, ABS-CBN News
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