SM: Workers to receive scheduled salaries; security guards, janitors to get P5k assistance

MANILA, Philippines — SM on Friday assured that employees will receive their scheduled salaries during the period of the enhance community quarantine (ECQ) placed in Luzon to combat the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

“All employees will receive their regularly scheduled salaries during the ECQ period without deductions made against their vacation and sick leaves,” SM said in a statement.

Company front-liners who comprise the skeletal workforce, meanwhile, will be provided with premium pay.

Security guards and janitorial staff will also receive P5,000 financial assistance during the quarantine period, which took effect on March 16 and will last until April 14.

“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,” SM’s Hans Sy said in a statement.

SM’s assurance comes after the labor and employment department urged companies not to lay off workers during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis that the country faces.

The Philippines has 230 confirmed cases of the disease, including 18 deaths to date.

To contain the spread of the disease, President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire Luzon island under enhanced community quarantine.