Alaska Milk to lay off 200 workers effective July 1

Alaska Milk Corp., the manufacturer of its namesake milk brand, is reducing the workforce at its San Pedro City, Laguna manufacturing plant in a bid to optimize business operations while maintaining product affordability.

In a statement, Alaska Milk said that about 200 employees from the manufacturing plant will be separated, July 1.

However, it said the company is conducting a screening process to allow an objective and transparent evaluation of its affected employees.

The milk manufacturer said it had to make a difficult, but necessary, decision to undergo an organizational transformation in line with its parent company, Royal FrieslandCampina’s global directive to optimize business operations.

The operational changes will ensure jobs for the majority of employees for a longer period, while also maintaining the affordability of its products for Filipinos nationwide.

“The decision to let go of some of our employees in San Pedro, Laguna based on redundant positions was a painful one for all of us at Alaska. We understand that this is a difficult time for those who will be affected,” said Maria Angela Esquivel, Corporate Affairs director at Alaska Milk.

“Alaska is therefore committed to providing all affected employees with a support package that not only includes a severance package above the minimum mandated by the law, but also monthly grocery allowances, product allowances, and an added gratuity pay,” Esquivel said.

She also assured that all affected employees and their respective dependents will continue to maintain their health benefits until the end of the year “as we are all still going through this COVID-19 pandemic.”

As part of the company’s care package, Alaska is setting up job fairs and employment seminars to guide their employees on where and how they can apply for new employment.

Alaska said it is also working with the Public Employment Services Office (PESO) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to help connect affected employees to new opportunities.

“We know that proper job transition support must also include practical help, which is why we are offering business and resume building seminars. We will also offer financial and entrepreneurship workshops to the employees,” Esquivel said.

She noted that the business remains stable, but that the changes were necessary to keep Alaska’s products affordable for long-term business sustainability.

“For 50 years, Alaska has been providing affordable nutrition for Filipino families, and these changes help us remain steadfast in that commitment while still supporting each of our valued employees,” she added.—LDF, GMA News