LRT1 operator LRMC lets go of over 100 workers

Reduced rail travel amid the COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on the Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), the private operator of Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT1), as the company was compelled to let go of more than a hundred workers.

Responding to reporters’ queries, LRMC Corporate Communications Jackie Gorospe said that “over 100 or close to 20% of workforce” will be retrenched.

“It is with great regret that LRMC confirms a reduction of its workforce due to a significant 90% drop in ridership brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic,” the company said in a statement.

Super Radyo dzBB reporter Issa Umali earlier reported that over 100 employees of LRT-1, including tellers and supervisors will be laid off due to “redundancy.”

“LRMC management has been closely monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic situation from the start and has been taking appropriate measures, balancing its financial position while looking after its team members,” the railway operator said.

“However as LRMC has scaled down operations during the quarantine period and deferred some projects, the company recognizes the need to optimize human resources by reducing the size of its workforce,” it said.

LRC said the “right-sizing” of its workforce is aimed to better suit the current and future business conditions, as well as maintain stability while navigating through the uncertainty of this global crisis.

“This decision went through multiple levels of approvals involving the LRMC Senior Management Committee, in close consultation with LRMC’s employee union,” it said.

The right-sizing program will take effect on September 15, 2020, according to LRMC.

The company also assured that it will faithfully comply with all Department of Labor and Employment guidelines.

“To support and take care of affected employees, each employee will receive his/her rightful benefits under the law and even above what is in the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement,” LRMC said.

“On top of this, LRMC has partnered with Xcelarator Talent Solutions to assist affected members on livelihood and investing wisely. Webinars and online consultations on managing mental health will also be offered,” it said.

LRMC is a joint venture of Metro Pacific Investment Corp.’s Metro Pacific Light Rail Corp., Ayala Corp.’s AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp., Sumitomo  Corp., and Macquarie Investments Holdings (Philippines) PTE Ltd.

It took over the operations and maintenance of the LRT-1 rail system in September 2015. -MDM, GMA News