Senate probe sought into Sofitel closure amid 'labor issues'
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Senate probe sought into Sofitel closure amid 'labor issues'
Employees of the Sofitel Hotel hold a protest picket in front of the hotel in Pasay City on June 5, 2024. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News
Employees of the Sofitel Hotel hold a protest picket in front of the hotel in Pasay City on June 5, 2024. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News MANILA — Sen. Risa Hontiveros has filed a resolution seeking a Senate investigation into the "labor policy implications" of Sofitel Philippine Plaza's closure, which employees claimed was a "union-busting" move.
MANILA — Sen. Risa Hontiveros has filed a resolution seeking a Senate investigation into the "labor policy implications" of Sofitel Philippine Plaza's closure, which employees claimed was a "union-busting" move.
Hontiveros said the Senate investigation seeks to determine "the closure's legitimacy, the treatment of employees, and the potential impact on labor policies in the hospitality sector."
Hontiveros said the Senate investigation seeks to determine "the closure's legitimacy, the treatment of employees, and the potential impact on labor policies in the hospitality sector."
"The permanent closure of Sofitel will affect its 500 employees, some of whom have already faced termination,” Senate Resolution No. 1059 stated.
"The permanent closure of Sofitel will affect its 500 employees, some of whom have already faced termination,” Senate Resolution No. 1059 stated.
On May 20, Sofitel announced that the iconic hotel would stop operations by July 1, adding that it would honor engagements and reservations until the end of June before it closes.
On May 20, Sofitel announced that the iconic hotel would stop operations by July 1, adding that it would honor engagements and reservations until the end of June before it closes.
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However, soon-to-be terminated hotel employees alleged that the hotel would only undergo renovations, and that the supposed closure was just a way to dissolve the workers’ union.
However, soon-to-be terminated hotel employees alleged that the hotel would only undergo renovations, and that the supposed closure was just a way to dissolve the workers’ union.
"The impending closure of Sofitel Philippine Plaza has raised significant concerns among its employees and their representatives. We call for greater transparency from Philippine Plaza Holdings Inc. and demand answers regarding the true reasons behind this decision," Hontiveros said.
"The impending closure of Sofitel Philippine Plaza has raised significant concerns among its employees and their representatives. We call for greater transparency from Philippine Plaza Holdings Inc. and demand answers regarding the true reasons behind this decision," Hontiveros said.
“We must listen to the employees' legitimate concerns. Hindi ito pwedeng isawalang-bahala lang,” she added.
“We must listen to the employees' legitimate concerns. Hindi ito pwedeng isawalang-bahala lang,” she added.
The hotel earlier dismissed accusations of union busting.
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma had told ABS-CBN News that his agency, through the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), was conducting hearings with representatives of the hotel and the employees.
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma had told ABS-CBN News that his agency, through the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), was conducting hearings with representatives of the hotel and the employees.
Opened in 1976, Sofitel was designed by National Artists Leandro Locsin and Ildefonso P. Santos.
Opened in 1976, Sofitel was designed by National Artists Leandro Locsin and Ildefonso P. Santos.
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