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Skype helps settle Mindanao labor row


Videoconferencing giant Skype recently made history in the Philippine labor front by playing a major role in settling a labor row in Mindanao. The Department of Labor and Employment said it settled a labor complaint using the 30-day Single-Entry Approach mechanism (SENA) online. DOLE Surigao City single-entry approach desk officer Verlan Diaz used Skype to negotiate the settlement between 13 workers and their employer, Surigao Marine Products Inc., the DOLE said in a news release. It said the online settlement led to the payment of P1,347,022.74 in separation pay and other benefits due them, the highest SENA settlement so far in CARAGA. DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz congratulated the DOLE CARAGA and Diaz for using the online settlement, which she described as "one of the most innovative ways of handling cases through the SENA." She said this is a "best practice that other regional offices ought to consider and emulate." DOLE records showed that after Surigao Marine Products Inc. ceased operating last July, workers led by Joselito Macabuhay sought DOLE help in claiming their separation pay and other benefits. When the workers learned a key official in the negotiations was in Manila, Diaz arranged to have a live online conference to avoid resetting the hearing. During the Skype conference, the parties arrived at an amicable agreement, including a constructive scheduling of payments of benefits. Under the agreement, the P1,347,022.74 was to be given in two installments, on Aug. 15 and Sept. 15. — TJD, GMA News

Tags: skype, mindano
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