Over 700 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Christchurch, New Zealand were left jobless right before the Christmas holidays. The sudden closure of ELE, a skilled labor hire agency operating in the construction and manufacturing sector, came as a shock to the employees, leaving them without work or income.
The New Zealand government had previously described ELE as a significant player in the labor market. However, without prior notice, the company ceased operations just four days before Christmas. Despite initial assurances of pending salary payments, the workers are yet to receive any confirmation on when they might expect this financial relief.
Many of the affected workers, like carpenter Gabby Martin, expressed their surprise and disappointment at the sudden closure. “We were about to head to work in the morning when they told us not to come and instead attend a Zoom meeting. That’s when they announced the shutdown,” Martin recounted.
The situation is further complicated by visa restrictions. The OFWs, whose visas are valid for three years, are not permitted to switch jobs under their current status. As a result, they have been living without any income for the past two weeks. Felix Castro, another affected worker, shared their plight, “We’re waiting for a variation of our visas to see when we can get new ones. But in the meantime, we’re just idle.”
Currently, the stranded workers are surviving on fishing and food donations. They are living in accommodation provided by a sympathetic fellow Filipino, who has offered them temporary shelter. “The landlord, also a Filipino, felt sorry for us and told us to stay here until we can find work. Then we can discuss rent payments,” Castro added.
In response to this crisis, the Philippine Embassy in New Zealand has stepped in to offer financial assistance. Since last week, they have started distributing USD$600 or up to P30,000 to each of the stranded OFWs as a form of support during these challenging times.