(Photo courtesy: DOLE NCR)

MANILA, (PIA) -- A liaison officer received P435,508 in retirement benefits after submitting his unfair labor practice complaint to mediation with the Department of Labor and Employment's National Capital Region office.

For 31 years, Henry (name changed) was a valued employee at a respected manufacturing company. But long hours took a toll, and he decided to retire from the firm that had become his second home.

Henry initially feared his retirement would diminish the relationships and community status he built over decades of hard work. But the company acknowledged his contributions. 

Through DOLE-NCR's Single Entry Approach (SEnA) conciliation-mediation facilitated by the Regional Conciliation and Mediation Board, his retirement pay was successfully processed.

DOLE's Single Entry Approach is a 30-day mandatory mediation system to swiftly resolve labor disputes before they escalate. It provides accessible, inexpensive settlement services for employer-employee conflicts nationwide.

The program aims to prevent issues from developing into full-blown  legal cases. Settlements help both parties move forward amicably.

“Maganda ‘yung pag-aasikaso sa amin at pinapaliwanag sa amin kung ano ang dapat,” Henry said of the mediation process which was facilitated by labor officer Gerry Malgapo.

(Translation: It's nice that the DOLE-NCR people took care of us and clearly explained to us what should be done and what to expect.)

Now Henry plans to open a small business, embracing the chance to foster new relationships beyond office walls. The hard work of his last career chapter will continue to pay off.

For more details on how to avail of DOLE’s mediation services, please visit the nearest DOLE field office near you or call the DOLE Hotline 1349. (JCP/PIA-NCR)