“Workers in export zones asking brands to facilitate reinstatement to work”

Millions of workers in the Philippines were affected by one of the longest lockdowns imposed anywhere in the world. More than six months … [later] an untold number of workers remain either of forced leave or on floating status since they have not been allowed to return to work.

The labor law in the Philippines only allows workers to be put in floating status for a maximum of six months. Beyond six months, workers must be reinstated or paid separation pay. A new administrative rule released by the Labor Department controversially extends the floating status to one year but with the proviso that workers must agree to the extension…

A group of workers in the quality control department of FPF Corporation, located in the Freeport Area of Bataan, are preparing to file a complaint for constructive dismissal since they have not been reinstated after the lapse of six months on floating status…

Meanwhile some 50 workers of Rainbow 21 in Imus, Cavite have filed cases of illegal closure, illegal dismissal and labor standards violation (under payment of wages, overtime and holiday pay and non-remittance of social security contributions) ... workers learned that machines were taken out and relocated in an attempt at runaway shop. Rainbow 21 produced for US brands "Amy Byer" and "By and By Girl" before the factory unceremoniously closed down without giving the last salary and other benefits, including separation pay. Rainbow 21 was formerly named Dong Han Philippines Inc. and the Korean owner apparently has a penchant for closing down and changing names to avoid accountability to its workers.