Work suspension in private sector up to employers: DOLE

FILE: “Work should not be canceled because it is not a declared holiday. Therefore, it would be no work, no pay,” he added.(Photo: John Ong/ Flickr)

MANILA— The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reiterated it is upon the discretion of private sector employers if they will suspend work on September 21, in observance of the National Day of Protest.

The agency made the statement following Malacanang’s issuance of Memorandum Circular No. 26 which suspends classes in public schools and work in government offices under the executive branch on the said date.

“We leave that to their respective employers because we cannot decide for them,” DOLE Undersecretary Dominador Say said in a statement Wednesday.

Say said employers in the private sector will not incur additional pays since the day is not a holiday or special non-working day.

Meanwhile, Partido Manggagawa (PM) Chairman Renato Magtubo said private employers should not cancel work on Thursday.

“Work should not be canceled because it is not a declared holiday. Therefore, it would be no work, no pay,” he added.

The National Day of Protest was declared in order for people to join mass actions and rallies on Thursday which marks the 45th anniversary of the late former President Ferdinand Marcos’ declaration of martial law.