Quake-affected Cebu employees should not be forced to work – DOLE

By Ferdinand Patinio, Philippine News Agency

In a radio interview, DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said employers should be compassionate and help their workers especially in times of tragedy. (File Photo: Cebu Province/Facebook)

In a radio interview, DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said employers should be compassionate and help their workers especially in times of tragedy.

“Let us not insist for them (workers) to go to work,” Laguesma said. “There shouldn’t be any disciplinary action for not coming to work or wanting to go home.”

Labor Advisory 17 – 2022 provides that there should be no liability for employees in case of failure or refusal to work during weather disturbances and similar occurrences.

“Although it doesn’t say ‘earthquake’ in the advisory, it is related to weather disturbances and similar events. I see that this earthquake is considered as a similar event,” Laguesma said.

Employers, the DOLE chief added, could also exercise their “corporate social responsibility” by helping workers in need of assistance.

Laguesma also reminded employers that “the safety and health of workers is paramount.”