Members of the rank and file union of Sulpicio Lines on Monday urged the government to fast-track the investigation on the sinking of Sulpicio's MV Princess of the Stars and allow the shipping company to resume operations.
Union president Genaro Tasan said Sulpicio workers are concerned about their jobs if the company's suspension remains. “About 130 employees are already out of work. Even if it's just a temporary lay-off, the workers decided not to go to the office since there’s no work to be done,” Tasan said.
He said Sulpicio Lines could run out of funds to pay its 2,000 regular employees after government suspended the company. The company's vessels were grounded after the MV Princess of the Stars sank in waters off Romblon province last June 21.
The workers asked the Board of Marine Inquiry for a speedy deliberation in determining the people responsible for the sinking of the ferry. They also appealed to the Maritime Industry Authority to announce if Sulpicio vessels are still seaworthy.
The union said they also sympathize with the plight of the victims, which number in the hundreds.