Over 100 workers of LRT-1 to lose jobs

Light Rail Transit 1 (LRT-1). (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)

MANILA, Philippines — More than 100 employees of the Light Rail Transit-1 (LRT-1)  will lose their jobs as the train line’s ridership declined amid the coronavirus lockdown in Metro Manila.

This was affirmed Tuesday by the Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), and its spokesman, Jackie Gorospe, told reporters that the number of employees that would be retrenched represents 20 percent of the company’s total workforce.

“It is with great regret that LRMC confirms a reduction of its workforce due to a significant 90% drop in ridership brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic,” LRMC said in a statement.

Amid the imposition of strict community quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic, LRMC said it scaled down its operations and suspended some projects.

LRMC said its staff reduction will take effect next month.

“This decision went through multiple levels of approvals involving the LRMC Senior Management Committee, in close consultation with LRMC’s employee union. The right-sizing program will take effect on September 15, 2020,” LRMC said.

LRMC also assured that displaced workers will receive their benefits.

“To support and take care of affected employees, each employee will receive his/her rightful benefits under the law and even above what is in the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement. On top of this, LRMC has partnered with Xcelarator Talent Solutions to assist affected members on livelihood and investing wisely,” it said.

Public transportation, including railway operations, was again suspended after the government restored modified enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila, Laguna, Cavite, Rizal, and Bulacan from August 4 to August 18.

Mass transit was first halted in March up to the end of May as the government imposed a Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine – the strictest lockdown category – amid the onslaught of a coronavirus outbreak in the country.

KGA