Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 22) — A digital advocacy group has asked the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to check if there are Filipinos who will be affected by the massive layoffs eyed by Grab.
Digital Pinoys made the request on Thursday after the Singapore-based transport network vehicle service (TNVS) announced that it would cut 1,000 jobs or about 11% of its workforce.
“DICT and DOLE should check if there are Filipinos affected by the massive layoff of Grab employees and ensure that their rights and welfare under Philippine laws are followed,” Digital Pinoys national campaigner Ronald Gustilo said.
He also said Grab should respect Philippine labor laws, including the two-notice rule.
The two-notice rule refers to the procedural due process in termination of employment which includes a notice of intent to dismiss specifying the ground for termination where an employee can explain their side, a hearing or conference where the employee can respond to the charges, and a notice of dismissal indicating that grounds have been established to justify termination, according to DOLE.
“If they are to terminate any Filipino employee, regardless of the nature of employment, it should still comply with our labor code,” he pointed out. “Our agencies should ensure that these laws are implemented.”
Gustilo added that the layoff of 11% of its workforce put into question the TNVS’ investment pledge to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Anthony Tan, chief executive officer of Grab, met with Marcos in February and promised an investment that could generate 500,000 jobs.
“The government should also consider if the service quality for Grab’s customer passengers and their drivers will get affected if the layoff will affect the operations of Grab Philippines,” he ended.
Digital Pinoys earlier called for the suspension of Grab and its motorcycle taxi firm, Move It, for alleged violations, including a hike in its minimum fares and supposedly untrained riders recruited from rival firms.
