Some 100 LRT-1 Workers to Lose Jobs to COVID-19

More than 100 workers of the Light Rail Transit 1, or LRT-1, will lose their jobs by mid-September due to low ridership brought about by the Metro-wide COVID-19 quarantines, its operator said Tuesday.

“It is with great regret that LRMC confirms a reduction of its workforce due to a significant 90% drop in ridership brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Light Rail Manila Corp. said in a statement.

“This decision went through multiple levels of approvals involving the LRMC Senior Management Committee, in close consultation with LRMC’s employee union. The right-sizing program will take effect on Sept. 15, 2020,” LRMC said.

Affected employees will receive their benefits, and livelihood and investment assistance, the company said.

Mass transportation services in Metro Manila were first suspended in March, and only resumed partial operations in July under general community quarantine in a bid to reopen the economy.

However, trains were once again prohibited from ferrying passengers as the capital region—along with Laguna, Cavite, Bulacan, and Rizal—shifted back to modified enhanced community quarantine from Aug. 4 until Aug. 18. Under the stricter quarantine, businesses operations are also suspended and everyone is required to stay at home.