San Fernando, Pampanga”•Repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers from this province, numbering about 170, were assured of employment based on their skill and business requirements.
Gov. Dennis Pineda made this assurance Wednesday after the OFWs trooped to the Capitol to seek his assistance to get jobs and to feed their families.
The workers, former employees of the construction company Saudi Oger Unlimited (SOL Nation) based in Riyadh, said they were repatriated several years back because of a labor dispute.
Pineda also promised to provide the workers with free airfare to Saudi Arabia on Aug. 22 to settle their labor problems with their employers, mostly because of lack of payment of salaries and other benefits.
Pineda instructed Luningning Vergara, head of the Pampanga Public Employment Office to ensure the workers will be employed after submitting their resumes and other requirements for government and private companies in the province and elsewhere.
“For those who want to be employed, I will find each of you a job that suit your skills and capabilities,” Pineda said during the meeting.
The workers said they are grateful to the opportunities that will be given by Gov. Pineda and Vice Gov. Lilia Pineda.
According to Alexis Ordonez, coordinator of the SOL workers, they won their case against the construction company last July 30, but until now they have not received any compensation.
Ordonez said most of the employees, who are now senior citizens, are being ignored by companies in the industry who usually favor young workers, even with their lack of experience.