SM assures employees of salaries; financial help for guards, janitors

Sy-led SM on Friday announced it would release its employees’ regular salaries and provide financial assistance to its security guards and janitors, all of whom had been affected by the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.

“SM today assured all of its employees their regular compensation, as well as the extension of an Emergency Financial Assistance to its front liners, security guards and janitorial staff during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) period from March 16 to April 14, 2020,” SM, said in a statement.

The company noted that the extent of its assistance included the following:

• all employees would receive their regularly scheduled salaries during the ECQ period without deductions made against their vacation and sick leaves;
• the company’s front liners, who comprise the skeletal workforce, would, in addition, be provided with premium pay; and
• all security guards and janitorial staff would receive financial assistance of P5,000 for the period.

SM also said it has been taken measures to protect the safety and welfare of its front line personnel with protective gear, meals, and transportation whenever possible.

“In these trying times, we are in unchartered territories. Let’s be one with each other, united in the spirit of service. Let’s be mindful of our front liners and help with their need to be alert so they can continue to do their best in working for the safety and health of our communities,” said Hans Sy on behalf of the Sy family.

SM said it was continuously assessing the health crisis with vigilance; enjoining its employees and the public to follow guidelines and precautions to help combat the virus.

The financial assistance was on top of the company's earlier commitment to help in the COVID-19 response and relief efforts.

SM earlier announced that it was waiving tenant rentals nationwide, and supporting health workers as they actively fought the spread of COVID-19 with P100 million worth of protective equipment, testing kits, and supplies.

“With the unprecedented global health crisis, companies under SM today stand in solidarity with the nation and the citizenry in the battle against COVID-19,” it said. — DVM, GMA News