DOLE team to help Ford employees — Malacañang official

A quick response team from the Department of Labor and Employment will help employees of Ford Philippines cope after the carmaker closes its factory in Santa Rosa, Laguna, come December, a Malacañang official said Thursday.   Comprised of DOLE, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and Department of Trade and Industry representatives, the team has been in touch with the Human Resources Division of Ford Philippines, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a briefing at the Palace.   “Since we’ve been informed, we already are making plans ahead of time, ahead of the notice of closure to ensure that we can assist the potentially displaced employees,” he said.   Although the carmaker has yet to serve notice of closure, the quick response team will ensure that–once it has been filed–the full separation benefits of the employees will be given, according to the Palace official.   He said the team is also going to help the affected employees with their plans.   “If they wish to work in the same industry, we will be looking for employment for them,” Lacierda said. “If they wish to look for another industry–and that would require re-training of their skills–TESDA will be there to provide the re-training.”   If some of the employees who would receive hefty separation benefits would like to go into business, the Trade Department would help develop their entrepreneurial skills, he said.   Around 250 employees will be affected by the impending closure in December.   Randy Krieger, Ford Philippines president, said displaced employees may work at any Ford factory overseas if they want to.   Ford dealerships, on the other hand, would continue operating and selling imported cars. —VS, GMA News