Welder gets retirement pay thru DOLE’s SEnA

DAET, Camarines Norte --- A senior citizen who worked as a welder in a construction company for 21 years received his retirement benefits through the Single Entry Approach (SEnA) program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) last Feb. 10, 2020.

Reynaldo Ramos, 65 years old, a resident of Brgy. Itomang, Talisay, Camarines Norte received a total amount of P158,624.50 as payment for money claims on retirement benefit and legal/special holidays.

Over the years, he said he was able to maintain quality work and skillfully performed his jobs from welding to steel fabrication. As he proved his abilities, he had been in-charge with projects for both private and public works including the construction of school buildings, bridges, and roads.

And when it’s time to bid goodbye to his well-loved job last Jan. 10, 2020 upon reaching the age of 65, he claimed for retirement benefit and non-payment of legal/special holidays from his employer.

Though, the employer agreed on payment schedules, it was not realized so Ramos and his wife, Emilia sought the assistance of DOLE Camarines Norte Provincial Office on their monetary claims through SEnA.

On Feb. 10, 2020, during the conference, Renalyn Alano, hearing officer-designate cited provisions on the existing labor law as to the coverage/entitlement of qualified worker to retirement pay and legal/special holidays to both parties.

Arriving at a settlement agreement, the employer paid the sum of P158,624.50 pesos in cash as payment for money claims on retirement benefit and legal/special holidays of Ramos.

Both thanked the DOLE for mediating in order to arrive at a favorable agreement.

Ramos repeatedly thanked the DOLE that it has fairly served his request for assistance.

“Mabilis at mahusay ang naging pagtugon ng DOLE sa aking hiniling na tulong na ma-claim ang aking retirement pay at claim for legal/special holidays. Ang perang nakuha ko ay napakalaking tulong po sa sinisimulan naming maliit na tindahan, lalo ngayon na wala na po akong hanapbuhay,” Ramos said.

DOLE regional director Joel M. Gonzales lauded the cooperation of both parties and the immediate settlement and payment of Ramos’ monetary claims.

He urged workers to file a complaint thru SEnA to facilitate amicable settlement.

“It is part of our duty to settle complaints thru SEnA to prevent them from ripening into full blown disputes or labor cases,” Gonzales said.

“We would also like to remind our employers to observe compliance of labor standards to avoid disputes and further strengthen rapport with their workers. Never hesitate to seek assistance from us, so we can give you pieces of advice, or offer solutions and alternatives to the problems,” he added.

SEnA is an administrative approach that provides speedy, impartial, inexpensive, and accessible settlement procedure for all issues or complaints arising from employer-employee relations. With reports from Renalyn Alano of DOLE Cam Norte