Press Release No. 25-2018

CONSULATE TO HELP END LABOR PROBLEMS OF OFWs WITH HIDADA CONTRACTING CO. LTD.

Jeddah, 18 April 2018 – Consul General Edgar Badajos met with some workers of the Hidada Contracting Co. Ltd. at his office. The workers aired their sentiments regarding the failure of the company to send them home and release their remaining salaries and benefits. They also lamented their predicament of not being able to support their basic needs much less the needs of their families back in the Philippines.

Consul General Badajos (left) talking to the workers.

Consul General Badajos assured them of the support of the Consulate General in resolving their concerns. Although negotiations are ongoing with the Hidada management, the Consulate General is also coordinating with the Ministry of Labor in Jeddah to ensure that the rights of the workers are protected. Consul General Badajos instructed Consul Rodney Jonas Sumague and Welfare Officer James Mendiola to take a stronger stance on negotiations with the management.

Welfare Officer Mendiola (left) explaining the status of negotiations with Hidada Contracting Co. Ltd.

Three Hundred Ninety One (391) male skilled Filipino workers of Hidada were stranded since November 2017. More than 160 have already went home to the Philippines or transferred while around 130 more are waiting to be repatriated. Others have opted to transfer to another company. Most of them are still waiting for the release of their unpaid salaries averaging two (2) months. END