DOLE issues rules on work suspension during calamities after ‘Florita’

Teachers of Sta. Filomena Elementary School in Makilala, Cotabato were among the stranded individuals rescued as heavy rains brought by Florita PH led to flooding on Monday, Aug. 22. | PHOTO: Makilala Hiraya/Facebook

MANILA, Philippines — In the wake of Severe Tropical Storm Florita, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Thursday issued an advisory to suspend work in the private sector during bad weather or calamities.

In Labor Advisory No. 17, Series of 2022, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma emphasized that the private sector has the right to call off work to protect its workers’ health and safety.

“Except as provided for by law or appropriate proclamation, employers in the private sector may, in the exercise of management prerogative and coordination with the safety and health committee, safety officer, or any other responsible company officer, suspend work to ensure the safety and health of their employees during weather disturbances and similar occurrences,” said Laguesma.

However, if the company decides to proceed with its operations, employees who report for work are entitled to full regular pay provided they have rendered work for not less than six hours.

Meanwhile, those who will render work for less than six hours shall only be entitled to the proportionate amount of the regular pay, without prejudice to existing company policy or practice more beneficial to the employee.

Laguesma then urged private employers to give extra incentives or benefits to employees who will report for work despite weather disturbances. At the same time, employees who fail or refuse to work because of imminent danger from inclement weather conditions shall not be subject to any administrative sanction.

But employees who refuse to work are not entitled to regular pay unless there is a favorable company policy, practice, or collective bargaining agreement granting payment of wages on the said day.

On the other hand, those with leave credits may be allowed to utilize such benefits so that they will be compensated on the said day.

This came after “Florita” ravaged parts of Luzon earlier this week, affecting over 47,000 individuals and killing at least three.

“Florita” has since exited the Philippine area of responsibility and no longer directly affects the country.

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