The employer of 26 overseas Filipino workers in Jeddah has threatened to sue them for illegally abandoning work, a migrant workers’ rights group disclosed today.
John Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional director, said the OFWs claimed that Arabian Gulf Manufacturers Ltd. Co., based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, has expressed its intention of filing a case against them for the work stoppage.
“Their employer has told them that it will file a case of illegally stopping on their work. This is pure harassment since they have already filed a 30-day notice of their resignation that would take effect on June 20,” Monterona said.
Somalian and Ethiopian workers in Jeddah. Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobpercent/
Last week, the 26 OFWs, deployed by the Pasig City-based Armstrong agency, were forced to resign from the company, complaining of several labor malpractices.
“The 26 OFWs complained of illegal salary deductions, non-payment of overtime work, and substitution of contract facilitated by their employer upon arrival in Jeddah,” Monterona added.
Based on the original contract obtained by Migrante, Monterona said the OFWs were supposed to get 1,200 Saudi riyals but are actually receiving only 900 SR a month.
The group has called on the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Jeddah to look into the matter and extend assistance for the immediate repatriation of the OFWs.
Source: Philippine Star
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