Private sector can suspend work amid weather disturbances — DOLE

Amid heavy rains and flooding due to typhoon Carina, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reminded Wednesday that employers in the private sector may suspend work to ensure the safety of their employees during weather disturbances and similar incidents.

Citing Labor Advisory 17, DOLE said employees who work are entitled to full regular pay provided that they rendered work for no less than six hours.

However, if the employee worked for less than six hours, they shall only be entitled to the proportionate amount of the regular pay, without prejudice to existing company policy or practice that is more beneficial to the employee.

"To alleviate the plight of employees during weather disturbances and similar occurrences, employers may provide extra incentives or benefits to employees who reported to work on the said days," DOLE said.

Meanwhile, employees who do not work are not entitled to regular pay, except when there is a favorable company policy, practice, or collective bargaining agreement granting wage on the said day or when employees are allowed to use their leave credits.

DOLE said there shall be no sanctions imposed against those who cannot work due to imminent danger.

"Employees who fail or refuse to work by reason of imminent danger resulting from weather disturbances and similar occurrences shall not be subject to any administrative sanction," it said.

As of posting time, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 was raised over Batanes, while Signal No. 1 was hoisted over the Babuyan Islands, northern portion of mainland Cagayan, and the northern portion of Ilocos Norte due to Typhoon Carina.

Malacañang has suspended government work and classes in the National Capital Region (NCR) for the day.

Classes in many areas outside the NCR were also cancelled.

For his part, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. tasked concerned agencies to provide aid to those affected by Typhoon Carina and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon or Habagat. — VDV, GMA Integrated News