DOLE: Over 32,000 workers receive P2 B in settled labor cases
By Trixee Rosel
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has disbursed almost P2 billion in monetary benefits for 32,644 workers through the Single Entry Approach (SEnA) settlement mechanism.
In a data released by the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), the amount includes P711,605,950 for 21,775 workers through DOLE regional offices, P183,346,738 for 1,990 workers via the NCMB, and P1,084,099,954 for 8,879 workers through the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC).
In total, DOLE addressed 50,022 assistance requests through SEnA, which encompassed 27,696 cases from regional offices, 2,640 from the NCMB, and 19,686 from the NLRC.
The majority of the cases involved issues related to unpaid wages and benefits, though other significant concerns included separation benefits, illegal dismissal, and workplace harassment.
Additionally, SEnA facilitated requests for medical aid, financial assistance, and refunds.
As of the end of June, 3,681 cases were still pending in conciliation-mediation hearings.
SEnA continues to serve as DOLE's key platform for resolving labor disputes efficiently and fairly, which aim to prevent escalation into more severe conflicts.