SC ruling protects workers resigning due to workplace mistreatment – CHR

MANILA, Philippines — A Supreme Court (SC) ruling recognizing that an employee’s resignation due to workplace mistreatment is considered a constructive illegal dismissal upholds workers’ protection from toxic work environments, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said on Friday.

The SC Second Division ruled that verbal abuse, indifferent behavior, and demotion towards employees which force them to leave their jobs can be considered constructive illegal dismissal.

READ: SC: Leaving job after verbal abuse, bad behavior, demotion is illegal dismissal

Constructive dismissal occurs when an employer creates unbearable working conditions in which the employee feels forced to resign.

READ: Constructive illegal dismissal

“The Commission believes that this ruling reaffirms the protection of employees from coercive work environments and underscores the accountability of employers who subject their staff to hostile treatment,” the CHR said in a statement, commending the SC for the ruling.

“This ruling serves as a strong reminder that all workers, as right-holders, deserve to work in environments free from abuse, coercion, and hostility,” it added.

CHR reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights of workers and said it will continue to push for policies and actions that respect dignity in the workplace.

“We echo the Court’s message that no employee should be forced to choose between their livelihood and their dignity,” it said.