The Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), the operator of the LRT Line 1, will put on hold the layoff of over 100 workers of the railway system after the Department of Transportation (DOTr) expressed its concern on the retrenchment program.
"While the factual basis behind the redundancy program remains legally valid, LRMC is putting it on hold, for now, to allow the company to recalibrate strategies and continue supporting team members and government partners as long as it can," the LRMC said in a statement over the week.
The LRMC added that the DOTr has also pledged to support the management and find "equitable solutions to support our employees during this difficult time."
While the retrenchment program was deferred, LRMC head of corporate communications Jackie Gorospe said the management will instead offer voluntary retirement for employees aged 56 to 59, and mandatory retirement for those 60 years old above.
"Redundancy is deferred for now, but the voluntary and mandatory retirement will be as is. Taking into account that they are part of the immunocompromised group," Gorospe explained.
According to LRMC, at least 65 employees or around five percent of its workforce were up for retirement.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade ordered on Wednesday the Philippine National Railway (PNR), Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), and MRT-3 to hire qualified employees who may be retrenched by the LRT-1 management.
Tugade's instruction came a day after the LRMC confirmed that it is laying off close to 20 percent of its workforce, including retirees, next month after suffering a 90 percent drop in ridership due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, the railway operator added that all of its employees will undergo swab testing in response to the mandate of the DOTr for all railway employees.
This initiative, the LRMC said, is also part of its preparations for the resumption of the line's operations once the modified enhanced community quarantine is lifted in the capital region.
This is also part of LRMC’s preparations as it anticipates the resumption of LRT-1 operations once the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) is lifted in Metro Manila.
"The LRMC has always remained committed to protect the safety and well-being of its people. We continue to work with our shareholders on strengthening our company and engaging in dialogues with the government," it added.