For capitol workers, measure on early retirement okayed

The Provincial Board has approved the ordinance on early retirement program and separation for provincial government employees during a special session yesterday.

The ordinance sets aside benefits for workers affected by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia's plan to outsource some Capitol personnel.

First to benefit the ordinance are the more than 200 Provincial Engineering Department employees whose contracts will no longer be renewed.

Upon their retirement or separation, those who are regular, casual, contractual, co-terminus, and emergency employees who had served from two to 10 years are entitled to a month's salary for every year of service.

Those who had rendered a service of more than 10 years but below 25 years are entitled to 1.25 month's salary, while those who had worked for more than 25 years will collect a month and a half salary for every year of service.

The ordinance prohibits the reemployment of employees within three years after their separation from service.

Today the board will tackle the first supplemental budget to ensure the program's initial funding of P15 million.