Employers reminded of Feb. 8 holiday pay

STREET CELEBRATION Students mimic the lion’s movements in this traditional dance performed in Binondo, Manila, to usher in the Chinese New Year on Feb. 8. NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

THE DEPARTMENT of Labor and Employment has reminded employers in the private sector to pay their workers what is due them on Feb. 8—Chinese New Year—which Malacañang had declared a special nonworking holiday.

“We must also observe the proper pay rules for our workers in the private sector, “Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz Monday said as DOLE joined the Chinese-Filipino community in celebrating their New Year, or annual Spring Festival.

In a statement, Baldoz said “promoting workers’ welfare and protection by observing the proper pay rules will encourage workers to be more productive and efficient.”

“Compliance is not only good for business. It is also good for the workers. It is good for all,” she added.

The proper pay rules for special nonworking holidays are as follows:

If an employee does not report for work on Feb. 8, the “no work, no pay” principle shall apply unless there is a favorable company policy or collective bargaining agreement *(CBA) granting payment on this special nonworking holiday.

If the employee works on that day, he or she shall be paid an additional 30 percent of their daily rate on the first eight hours of work.

If the employee works in excess of eight hours, which is considered overtime, he or she shall be paid an additional 30 percent of their hourly rate on that day.

If an employee reports for work on a special day that also falls on his or her rest day, the employee shall be paid an additional 50 percent of their daily rate on the first eight hours of work.

If the employee works in excess of eight hours during a special day that also falls on his or her rest day, the employee shall be paid an additional 30 percent of the hourly rate on that day.

Under Proclamation No. 1105, issued on Aug. 20, 2015, the Palace declared Feb. 8 a special nonworking holiday.