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Wednesday, June 04, 2003
Hotel accused of violating labor laws by 40 workers
By Elias O. Baquero
THE management of the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino/Club Restaurant International Ltd. in Lahug, Cebu City was charged by more than 40 of its employees for allegedly violating labor laws, after they were told to stop reporting to work because the hotel will cease operating by June 15.
Lawyer Manolette Dinsay, counsel of the hotel personnel led by Melanie Jimenez, said the case was filed yesterday before the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC).
The employees charged the management with illegal suspension, illegal dismissal, and non-payment of salaries, 13th month pay, service incentive leave, and allowances.
Dinsay explained that the management said in the notice it issued the employees that the hotel is losing because patronage has decreased due to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars).
However, he said his clients do not believe this because they see the daily flow of guests.
“Based on records they have, the employees know that the occupancy rate is not decreasing,” Dinsay said.
In their complaints sworn before NLRC administrative officer Fe Baduel, they included hotel owners William Gatchalian, Rexlon Gatchalian and Kelvin Tan as respondents.
The Gatchalians are known close friends of deposed president Joseph Estrada.
The employees asked NLRC to order the hotel management to reinstate them to their jobs and to pay them actual, moral and exemplary damages, as well attorney’s fees.
Jimenez, who is not a member of any union, receives a monthly salary of P15,148.67. She has worked as guest services assistant since Sept. 4, 1996.
Dinsay said the hotel management did not release the salaries and allowances of the complainants for the period May 16-31.
His clients suspect that the hotel will be sold to other investors who want to first get rid of the old employees.
(June 4, 2003 issue)
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