Sofitel workers seek DOLE help to preserve jobs

AMID the impending closure of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza next month, the National Union of Workers in Hotel, Restaurant, and Allied Industries (NUWHRAIN) yesterday asked the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to help preserve the jobs of nearly 1,000 employees of the Pasay City-based hotel.

In a statement, the NUWHRAIN asked the DOLE to intervene and help prevent massive job losses with Sofitel set to cease operations effective July 1.

The group said it believes the alleged closure of Sofitel is really meant to squash the employees’ union.

“DOLE must intervene and ensure that the conflict will be addressed fairly and with the utmost effort to preserve the jobs of the affected workers,” said the NUWHRAIN.

The group said an intervention is possible, expressing belief the hotel will not close down operations but undertake renovation and improvement of facilities.

Proof of this, they said, is that some improvement in facilities and features have progressed, with some already completed.

“Given that the renovations will continue, the union believes that the closure is only temporary and that the hotel will eventually reopen,” said NUWHRAIN.

“These terminations cannot be construed in any way other than union busting as they leave no possibility for the unionized workers to return to their jobs after the reopening,” said NUWHRAIN.

Last May, Sofitel announced that it will cease its operations starting July 1.