By Katrina Gracia Consebido
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) clarified that employees who report to work in times of weather disturbances are still entitled to full pay.
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said that while private companies have the liberty to suspend work during weather disturbances to ensure the safety and health of their employees, they are still required to pay their employees in full when reporting to duty during those times.
“Except as provided for by 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, 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,” Laguesma said.
Employees who will render not less than six hours are entitled to full regular pay, Leguesma noted.
Meanwhile, those who have rendered less than six hours are only entitled to a proportionate amount of their regular pay.
Laguesma also urged employers to give incentives or benefits to their employees who will report for work amid weather disturbances and other occurrences.
Meanwhile, employees who fail or refuse to report in their offices shall not be subjected to any administrative sanction, except if there is an existing policy, practice, or collective bargaining agreement granting payment of wages on the day the employee reported for work.
Employees with leave credits are allowed to use such benefits so that they will be compensated on the said day. – gb
