DOLE: No massive OFW displacement despite crisis

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) sees no massive displacement of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) despite the debt crisis in Europe.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said the debt crisis affecting Italy and other European countries is unlikely to affect employment of Filipino workers there.

“Even if there is crisis, usually the employers do not pre-terminate existing contracts. They are just finishing their contracts so it won’t affect our workers there,” Baldoz said.

Baldoz noted the DOLE has not observed any sharp decline in hiring or job orders for Filipino workers in Europe at present.

But if ever the situation would worsen, Baldoz said the Philippine government is always ready to provide necessary assistance to affected Filipino workers.

Baldoz said the government, particularly DOLE, could help facilitate local or overseas re-employment of workers affected by the debt crisis.

She added the Philippine government could also offer alternative livelihood for workers who would choose to stay here rather than seek re-employment abroad.

“We just ready possible options for them, but in the end it would still be the decision of the workers whether to stay or work abroad again,” Baldoz said. –Mayen Jaymalin (The Philippine Star)