Over 11,500 workers displaced due to Alert Level 3 implementation —Bello

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Wednesday reported that at least 11,500 workers out of the expected 100,000 have lost their jobs since Alert Level 3 has been hoisted in several areas in the country.

In an ANC interview, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said they are currently preparing to give financial assistance to those who got displaced when Metro Manila and other areas were placed under Alert Level 3 amid the rising COVID-19 cases.

“Although the estimate that there would be at least 100,000 to 200,000 workers that will be displaced because of the Alert Level 3, our experience, and I’m very happy to note, na as of yesterday, ang na-displace lang na (the only displaced) workers because of Alert Level 3 ay (were) 11,500 plus,” Bello said.

Aside from this number, there were also around 20,000 workers whose working hours got reduced under the flexible working arrangement.

“Dahil nabawasan ang working hours nila, nabawasan ang kanilang kita, but the status of their employment is secured,” Bello added.

(Because their working hours were reduced, their income also got cut. However, their employment status is secured.)

The labor chief earlier said that DOLE has set aside P1 billion in anticipation of the possibility that some workers will get temporarily terminated or have reduced working hours due to the stricter quarantine status.

Currently, the National Capital Region and at least 50 other areas are under Alert Level 3 until the end of the month.

Under Alert Level 3, several establishments are allowed to operate at 30% indoor venue capacity but exclusively for fully vaccinated people, and 50% outdoor venue capacity as long as employees are fully vaccinated.

Work at government offices is also limited to 60% of their onsite capacity. —KG, GMA News