Observe proper pay, DOLE urges employers

MANILA, Philippines–Noting Jan. 15, 16 and 19 have been declared special nonworking days in Metro Manila in connection with Pope Francis’ visit, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has urged employers to “observe the proper pay rules” on these days.

In an advisory, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said:

— The “no work, no pay” principle shall apply if an employee does not report for work unless there is a favorable company policy or collective bargaining agreement granting payment on a special day.

— If an employee reports for work, he or she shall be paid an additional 30 percent of his or her daily rate on the first eight hours of work.

— If an employee works in excess of eight hours, or overtime, he or she shall be paid an additional 30 percent of his or her hourly rate on that particular day.

— If an employee works on a special day that falls on his or her rest day, he or she shall be paid an additional 50 percent of the daily rate on the first eight hours of work.

— If an employee works in excess of eight hours during a special day that happens to be his or her day-off, the worker shall be paid an additional 30 percent of the hourly rate on that day.–Jerry E. Esplanada