DOLE reminds private sector employers of guidelines during disasters

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Monday issued an advisory reminding private sector employers of the suspension guidelines mandated by law in times of natural or man-made calamities.

In a statement, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III cited Article 5 of the Labor Code of the Philippines that says, “[e]except as provided for by law or appropriate proclamation, employers in the private sector shall, in the exercise of management prerogative and in coordination with the safety and health committee, or safety officer, or any other responsible company officer, suspend work to ensure the safety and health of their employees during natural or man-made calamity.”

Meanwhile, employers needed to observe rules on wages.

“If unworked - No pay, unless there is a favorable company policy, practice, or collective bargaining agreement granting payment of wages on said day.” 

Employees were however allowed to utilize their leave credits on said days so that they may be compensated.

“If worked - No additional pay shall be given to the employees but only their salary on said day.”

The DOLE also said that employers may provide extra incentives or benefits to their employees who report to work during times of disaster.

Bello noted that Section 3 of the Labor Code assures employees that they were free from any liability, such as administrative sanctions, should they fail or refuse to work “by reason of imminent danger.”

Work in several government offices, classes, and flights had been canceled across the country due to the ashfall brought by the phreatic eruption of the Taal Volcano on Sunday. — Julia Mari Ornedo/DVM, GMA News