(FILE) Workers (top R) stand on scaffolding at a construction site in Manila on May 10, 2018. (Photo by NOEL CELIS / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Alan Peter Cayetano warns that the government may lose skilled workers, especially those employed in public infrastructure, once the country’s economy improves.
Cayetano, during the Senate plenary session on Wednesday, cited two reasons why skilled workers may leave: Better opportunity in the private sector and greener pastures overseas.
“Kapag kasi gumanda ang ekonomiya at nagkaroon ng boom, sa private sector pumupunta lahat ng skilled [workers],” he said.
(When the economy revives and booms, skilled workers go to the private sector.)
The senator pointed out that skilled workers prefer to work in the private sector because wages can easily increase unlike in the government.
“I think that’s going to be our problem once na gumanda na talaga ng husto ‘yung ekonomiya. We will run out of skilled workers for two reasons: one, nasa abroad ’yung marami, and then number two, I think bubuhos sa construction [ang investments],” he added.
(I think that’s going to be our problem once the economy further improves. We will run out of skilled workers for two reasons: one, many will be abroad, and then number two, I think investments will pour in construction.)
The government, Cayetano said, can keep its skilled workers by ensuring that benefits are paid by their contractors.
RELATED STORIES
Tulfo seeks ‘decent wages’ for gov’t workers earning below industry rate
Health workers seeking pay hike say nothing has changed since pandemic started