Wednesday, January 09, 2008 Talk back: Western Wats issue By Suzan Sussie
I DO appreciate your writing about the situation in Western Wats.
The US is indeed in economic turmoil. That probably explains why, despite President Arroyo’s claims of a stronger peso and a better economy, we see a lot of companies downsizing, i.e. laying off regular employees.
Downsizing is a defensive strategy to protect company assets and preserve profits under unfavorable economic conditions.
It is a given that businesses operate for profit. And it is management prerogative as to how to carry out such strategies to fulfill their duties as steward of company assets.
However, in doing so, management must not prejudice the rights of employees or carry out their purposes to the detriment of others.
Philippine labor laws specify the grounds for termination and procedures to carry those out. In carrying out its purposes, management must take care to abide by the substance of the law, not merely its form.
My impression of the situation in Western Wats is such that management has not given the employees due notice when it terminated their employment. That's bad and that really pisses me off.
It might be an American firm but it is doing business in the Philippines. It should not only abide by our laws, but also RESPECT our culture and traditions.
In my book, laying off employees during the holiday season is inhumane. Where's the company's sense of social responsibility in that?
It's high time that we, Filipinos, stand up and fight for what we believe is right.
To the affected employees, if you believe your dismissal was unjust, seek reprieve in our legal system. Don't just take it.
If you don't stand up and defend your rights, nobody will.
