Sometimes it can be so frustrating when using supermarkets, department stores or scores of other places that have the customer service requirement.
In many cases there is no customer service. It seems amazing to meet people who are working in a place that do not know answers to basic questions and cannot or will not make a decision at all. It seems impossible that the person you are talking too is that silly or that rude.
Well when this happens take a step back.
In most places that offer front of counter staff like supermarkets, fast food restaurants and other sales places, the shops nearly all the staff you meet are college graduates. Even most of the petrol (gas) assistants cannot get a job in these places unless they have a college graduation of some kind. Workers in the Philippines varies greatly based on their level of education and background of experiences.
Not only that, but on the day these people start most have to resign too. Yes that’s right. They sign a document saying they resign in six months’ time and they will move to another place and do the same. This will continue until they are deemed too old to employ and then they will have nothing.
The reason for this is that if a worker passes the six month probation with an employer then they are automatically entitled to extra benefits that are controlled by an organisation called DOLE. The employers cannot or will not take a hike in wages which is estimated to be around 40 per cent when you take into account the extra holidays and sickness packages. So they make them sign a resignation letter on day one.
They sign a document saying they resign in six months’ time and they will move to another place and do the same.
So no matter how good that person is or how hard and loyal they are they are most likely to be booted out six in months’ time. So what incentive do they have to learn everything and please every customer? They are going to be out soon and will be looking for another job, despite being employee of the month or whatever other certificate they get during their employment with that employer.
It is easy to say “That is stupid” and it is not fair. But the truth is that there are so many young people looking for jobs and there are so not enough that the employers can really pick and choose and do what they want. They also do not have the problem of the west as they can employee many people at a fraction of the cost in the west. The hope being is that they have so many people on duty for such a cheap price. So who needs trained people?
It is also true to say that on paper the Pinoy workers have lots of rights. ON PAPER. So this is another reason why employers ensure the six month contract is their main form of employment. This will probably go a little way to explain why so many Filipinos want to work abroad so they can give themselves and their families a chance in life.
John is a very young 57 who has lived in the Philippines for over ten years and makes his living online as an SEO consultant and copy writer along with other online resources. John has lived in Davao, Manila and in Puerto Galera and has become an honoury Filipino. His hobbies include traveling and 1970s culture. For any articles or online work please feel free to contact John on [email protected]
Jerry Lynch says
September 21, 2013 at 12:33 amOne major problem is that employers think they do not have to pay into the SSS if the worker is temporary or works less than 6 months. How they get away with that (malls etc.) is beyond me, because the SSS law says that EVERY worker, even if he only works 1 day, must have the SSS contribution made within 30 days of date-of-hire. All those employees just begin to learn their jobs and then are unceremoniously fired and all new help comes on board.
Bill Fiskilis says
October 29, 2014 at 6:39 pmA system as corrupt us above, people study so hard and complete there college and university and all they can be employed as is a basic job. this is sad to hear and see this from a western prospect. Its a bonus for companies as the see it as employing smart people.
workers are turned over like Yoyo’s to avoid paying the benefits.