Filipinos wade through a flooded street at the financial district of Makati, south of Manila, Philippines on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013. Some of the Philippines’ heaviest rains on record fell for a second day Tuesday, turning the capital’s roads into rivers and trapping tens of thousands of people in homes and shelters. The government suspended all work except rescues and disaster response. (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – Employers of private firms are being urged by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to give extra incentives or benefits to employees who report for work amid inclement weather or calamities.
Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz said that because pay rules state that employees who report for work shall receive no additional pay during calamities, employers may instead provide extra incentives and benefits.
Baldoz said employers should ensure the safety and welfare of employees by providing free food, transportation, personal protective equipment and first-aid medicines.
“To alleviate the plight of employees in times of crisis, employers may provide such extra incentives or benefits to employees who reported for work,” she said.
On Wednesday, Baldoz reminded all private sector employers on the rules for pay on the suspension of work due to typhoon “Glenda.”
She said that the “no work, no pay,” policy applies, unless there is a favorable company policy, practice, or collective bargaining agreement (CBA) granting payment of wages on the said day.
“When the employee has accrued leave credits, a worker or employee may be allowed to utilize such leave so that the worker or employee will have compensation on said day,” said Baldoz.
Employees who reported for work, on the other hand, will receive no additional pay, but only their salary on that day.
Baldoz has instructed all DOLE regional directors in typhoon-hit areas to assess the situation and submit a report on workers and companies affected, including the types of assistance needed.
She said all DOLE regional offices have emergency employment funds that can be used as necessary. (MNS)