Give ‘calamity incentives’ to workers – DOLE

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Give ‘calamity incentives’ to workers – DOLE

Josh Albelda

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz says employers should provide free transportation, food, and personal protective gear to employees who report for work during times of calamity

MANILA, Philippines – Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz has reminded employers to give “extra incentives or benefits” to employees who report for work despite bad weather or other natural calamities.

At the height of Typhoon Glenda (Rammasun) on Wednesday, July 16, Baldoz also instructed all Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regional directors to assess the situation in their areas, and to tap into their respective emergency employment funds to respond to distressed workers, if necessary.

The Cabinet official issued the labor advisory on the payment of wages for private sector employees due to inclement weather or natural calamities, as the typhoon ravaged parts of the country.

“To alleviate the plight of employees in times of crisis, employers may provide such extra incentives or benefits to employees who reported for work,” Baldoz said.

She said employers “shall ensure the safety of employees” who choose to go work during such times “by providing FREE transportation, food, personal protective equipment and first-aid medicines, as may be necessary.”

In her advisory, Baldoz reminded private sector employers on the rules for pay on the suspension of work due to the typhoon.

The labor chief said employees who cannot go to work during inclement weather or times of calamity would receive no pay for the day, unless there is a favorable company policy, practice, or collective bargaining agreement (CBA) granting payment of wages on the said day.

“When the employee has accrued leave credits, a worker or employee may be allowed to utilize such leave so that the worker or employee will have compensation on said day,” Baldoz said.

Workers or employees who report for work shall receive no additional pay on top of their salary, she said.

Baldoz also directed all DOLE regional directors in typhoon-affected to conduct an immediate assessment and submit a report on workers and companies affected, including the types of assistance needed.

“You know what to do,” Baldoz said a text message to the directors at the height of the typhoon, adding that all DOLE regional offices have emergency employment funds that can be used as necessary.

While work in government offices were suspended in typhoon-affected areas, except those performing vital services in disaster response and other emergency operations, most private offices did not issue advisories on work cancellation while others suspended operations. – Rappler.com

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