Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Workers of 2 SLI ships that were sold seek pay
THE Sulpicio Lines Inc. has offered two options for the 75 personnel who are affected by the sale of MV Cebu Princess and MV Cagayan Princess to Roble Shipping Lines last week.
Josefina Lim, spokesperson of the Associated Labor Union (ALU), said that during their meeting last night, the management, represented by lawyer Noli Espina, said some of them will be absorbed by other vessels.
Those who will not be absorbed may apply for retirement so they can be paid their retirement benefits. Those who will not qualify for retirement will get separation pay.
The Sulpicio management confirmed that they sold the two vessels to Roble Shipping at P33 million. But there was no confirmation on reports that a third vessel, the MV Palawan Princess, was also sold to another shipping firm.
Genaro Tasan, president of the Sulpicio Lines Rank and File Independent Union, said that although he is assured by the management that he will be absorbed by another vessel, he pitied his colleagues who will lose their jobs at this time when there’s economic crisis.
Tasan, who is linen man of Cagayan Princess, said they were not informed by the management of the sale of the vessels.
Tasan and other 74 employees received their last salary last Oct. 10.
He said they were surprised last Oct. 11 when personnel from Roble Shipping left the vessels. It was then that they knew these were already sold and turned over to Roble.
Ro-Ro
Cagayan Princess sails from Cebu City to Naval, Biliran, and Masbate.
For his part, Jose Emery “Joy” Roble, chief operations officer of Roble Shipping, said they bought the two vessels because these are Ro-Ro type and suitable for rolling cargoes.
He said the two vessels will sail the Cebu-Leyte (probably in Hilongos or Baybay) and Cebu-Samar routes.
Roble said the old crew of Cebu Princess and Cagayan Princess may apply for jobs at their shipping firm, but they have to qualify with their standards.
In the meantime, the two vessels are being modified to have restaurants and chapels, which is a standard of Roble Shipping.
The emergency meeting at ALU last night was also attended by Cagayan Princess Captain Gregorio Mabitad and Cebu Princess Captain Exequiel Dagondon and Palawan Princess chief mate Lamberto Budiongan.
Ferdinand Jumapao, director of ALU Membership and Social Services Division, said ALU will make sure the affected workers will not be financially dislocated in the future. (EOB)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (October 15, 2008 issue)
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