DOLE reminds firms of rules on work suspension due to bad weather

By Ferdinand Patinio, Philippine News Agency

FILE: W. Diokno Boulevard in Pasay City is passable only to light vehicles on Wednesday (July 24, 2024) as heavy rains due to Typhoon #CarinaPH and the enhanced southwest monsoon flooded the area. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)

MANILA – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Wednesday reminded employers about the rules on the suspension of work due to weather disturbances and similar occurrences amid the heavy downpour in Metro Manila and other areas in the country due to the southwest monsoon and Typhoon Carina.

In a social media post, the Department posted Labor Advisory 17 series of 2022 to guide employers and workers on the pay rules for work suspensions to ensure the safety and health of employees during calamities.

For employees who report to work, he/she is entitled to full regular pay provided that he/she has rendered work for not less than six hours.

If less than six hours of work, the employee is only entitled to the proportionate amount of the regular pay, without prejudice to existing company policy or practice more beneficial to the employee.

On the other hand, if the worker did not work on these days, he/she is not entitled to regular pay, except when there is a favorable company policy, practice, or collective bargaining agreement granting payment of wages on the day or when the employee is allowed to use his/her accrued leave credits.

The advisory added that employers may provide extra incentives or benefits to employees who reported to work on these days, to alleviate the plight of employees during weather disturbances and similar occurrences,

It noted that employees who fail or refuse to work because of imminent danger from weather disturbances and similar occurrences cannot be subject to any administrative sanction.

The labor advisory was issued pursuant to Article 5 of the Labor Code of the Philippines, as amended, and Republic Act 11058.