DOLE Releases Advisory on Suspension of Work During Weather Disturbances, Similar Occurrences

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) issued Labor Advisory No. 17-22 allowing the private sector to suspend work in case of weather disturbances and similar occurrences, and providing for the appropriate payment of wages during the same.

 

According to Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma, employers in the private sector may suspend work during inclement weather conditions in the exercise of their management prerogative in order to ensure the safety and health of their employees. Employees who fail or refuse to work shall not be subject to any administrative sanction. They are also 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 leave credits.

 

For employees who choose to and are able to work, however, they shall be entitled to full regular pay provided that they have rendered work for not less than 6 hours. The DOLE also allows employers to provide extra incentives or benefits to them to alleviate their plight during weather disturbances and similar occurrences.

 

Read the full advisory here.