DOLE rationalization program won't displace its employees

The Department of Labor and Employment assures its employees that none of them would be displaced when government starts the "rationalization program" next year.

The labor department issued this clarification amid reports that several DOLE employees will lose their jobs once the program is implemented.

Acting Labor Secretary Danilo Cruz clarified that the reports that said that 100 DOLE employees stand to lose their jobs once rationalization starts next year is not true. He explained that these employees are actually those who are planning to avail of the early retirement program, which carries a package of benefits.

The rationalization program is part of the government's efforts to improve its service delivery and efficiency by streamlining agencies through dissolution of redundant offices and posts and realignment of personnel. It offers a retirement package to government employees who would be affected by rationalization.

With its implementation, Cruz stressed that no one among the DOLE employees have been forced to retire due to rationalization.

In fact, he added, that those who hold redundant positions but do not wish to retire would only be realigned to essential positions that have been vacant or created under the rationalization program.

"Government employees including those in the DOLE who will be affected by the program have the option to retire or be transferred to essential positions," Cruz said in a press statement. According to him, many DOLE employees have voluntarily applied for early retirement, which means that they may have plans other than continue working with the government.

Earlier, Assistant Labor Secretary Ma. Anthonette Allones also pointed out that there will be no displacements in the DOLE because employees to be affected by the rationalization program will just be transferred to essential positions that have been vacant for a long time.

She explained that DOLE employees are supportive of the program and that many of them have applied for early retirement because they want to avail of the benefits and incentives offered under the early retirement program. - Wenna A. Berondo