Fix ‘floating workers’ issue before hiring new employees: DOLE

He said the situation should be looked into to make sure that those who have been put on floating status and those that are being hired does not have the same job description. (PNA file photo)

MANILA – Employers have no reason to hire new workers if they have employees on floating status, a labor official said on Monday.

“Let us look at it on the case to case basis because if an employer will be putting his workers on floating status, the employer has no reason to hire new workers. But let us say, maybe the reason they float the workers because their services are no longer needed in the company, (that is another matter),” Labor Undersecretary Benjo Benavidez said in a virtual presser.

He said the situation should be looked into to make sure that those who have been put on floating status and those that are being hired does not have the same job description.

“We have to look at those who are on floating status and those being hired have different jobs in the company.

Otherwise, the former can file a (suit) against the company. That should be investigated and the workers can file a case to question the circumvention of their right to security of tenure for them to stay, to be employed, and have their jobs,” he said.

Under the law, companies need to rehire workers after six months since their firms have temporarily closed or implemented flexible work arrangements due to coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

If employers fail to take back their workers, they have to give them separation pay.

Employer groups earlier asked the DOLE to extend the rehiring period for another six months, citing that they have yet to recover from the impact of Covid-19.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, however, said they are only looking to extend it for another three months.

The issue will be discussed, among other matters during the meeting by the Department with workers groups and management groups, and other stakeholders on Tuesday