DOLE issues advisory on work suspension in private sector due to bad weather
Guidelines on halting work due to inclement weather and other calamities have been released by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for businesses and employees in the private sector.
According to Labor Advisory No. 16, issued by Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, employees who report to work under inclement weather and comparable circumstances will receive compensation.
“If worked – The employee is entitled to full regular pay provided that he/she has rendered work for not less than six hours. If less than six hours of work, the employee 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,” said the advisory, dated August 23.
Additionally, it stated that in order to help employees who reported on these days amid weather disturbances and comparable events, companies might give them additional rewards.
On the other side, individuals who failed to show up for work will be subject to the “no work, no pay” policy.
“If unworked – The employee is not entitled to regular pay, except when there is a favorable company policy, practice, or collective bargaining agreement granting payment of wages on the said day or when the employee is allowed to utilize his/her accrued leave credits,” the DOLE added.
It further stated that private companies are allowed to declare a suspension of work, “except as provided for by the law or appropriate proclamation, employers in the private sector may, in the exercise of management prerogative and in coordination with the safety and health committee, or 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.”
The DOLE stated that in the event of tardiness or refusal to work, employees are not liable.
It warned that “employees who fail or refuse to work by reason of imminent danger resulting from weather disturbances and similar occurrences shall not be subject to any administrative sanction.”
