Labor chief issues guidelines on holiday pay for Nov. 18-19

MANILA, Philippines — Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz has reminded employers in Metro Manila to abide by the proper pay rules during the two-day special non-working holiday on Nov. 18 and 19 due to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ summit.

In an advisory, Baldoz has said the “no work, no pay” scheme will take effect during those days.

Malacañang earlier declared a special non-working holiday for workers in the private sector in the National Capital Region (NCR) from Nov. 18 to 19 and academic institutions from Nov. 17 to 20 to reduce vehicular traffic in the country’s capital during the APEC summit.

“If the employee did not work, the ‘no-work, no-pay’ principle shall apply, unless there is a favorable company policy, practice, or collective bargaining agreement (CBA) granting payment on a special day,” Baldoz said.

Those who will still be required by their employers to report for duty during the APEC meeting, will get an extra pay, according to Baldoz’s advisory.

“If the employee worked, he or she shall be paid an additional 30 percent of his or her daily rate on the first eight hours of work,” Baldoz said.

They will also receive an additional 30 percent of their holiday pay rate if they will work in excess of eight hours.

“If the employee worked during a special day that also falls on his or her rest day, he or she shall be paid an additional 50 percent of his or her daily rate on the first 8 hours of work,” Baldoz added.  SFM