Following the Congress’ decision to reject ABS-CBN’s application for a franchise renewal, the network giant will now begin to retrench some of its workers effective at the end of the business day on Aug. 31.
ABS-CBN will be giving those retrenched separation and retirement benefits as well as help in finding new jobs.
“We are doing all we can to mitigate the pain that will be felt by those affected, including paying out separation and retirement benefits and providing job placement programs,” wrote ABS-CBN in a press statement. “The loss of their jobs comes at a time when the uncertain and perilous impact of the COVID-19 pandemic further makes our decision truly difficult, but inevitable.”
The company did not provide the specific number of employees to be laid off and from which ABS-CBN business units they are from.
ABS-CBN’s free television networks, broadcast and radio stations are still non-operational after the issuance of a cease and desist order by the National Telecommunications last May 5 after their old franchise expired.
“For those who are affected, we pray for you and your families, that you may have the strength and guidance to deal with the challenges ahead. For all that you have done for ABS-CBN, maraming salamat po,” ABS-CBN concluded.
The workers
ABS-CBN, being the country’s largest TV broadcaster, has about 11,000 employees. With the closing of the franchise, some of these employees will no longer have jobs—which is a highly pressing issue during the time of COVID-19.
“11,000 workers are now in danger of losing their jobs and may fail to provide for their families in the near future; all while Filipinos are facing a major economic recession due to the global pandemic,” said Senator Risa Hontiveros in a statement against the House Legislative Franchise Committee’s denial of the franchise renewal.
Meanwhile, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan noted that this denial shows the government’s insensitivity towards the Filipino people.
“Ito’y patunay na wala silang pakialam sa karaniwang tao. Patunay na interes ng iilan at hindi ng taumbayan ang inuuna,” he said in a statement. “Ito ba ay patunay na walang maaasahan ang maliliit sa Administrasyon sa gitna ng pinakamatinding krisis ng ating henerasyon?”
Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon explained that while he believed ABS-CBN can survive this, the employees are in apparent danger. “The ABS-CBN as an institution can survive this episode, no doubt, but the people whose livelihood depends on the network are the real casualties of this unfortunate and politically-charged event.”
Header photo courtesy of Inquirer.net
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