WHILE work in government offices has been suspended today, Monday, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) yesterday said those employed in private establishments may also be excused from reporting for duty.
In a phone interview, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said Labor Advisory No. 17-2022, which provides guidelines for suspending work due to weather disturbances and similar causes, is still in effect.
“(The Advisory) provides no administrative sanction if employees fail or even refuse to report for work by reason of imminent danger to them. Thus, they can be excused,” said Laguesma.
“The Advisory is still in effect and applicable. We can cite the said Advisory for the guidance of workers or employers,” he added.
Based on Labor Advisory No. 17-2022, employees who fail or refuse to work by reason of imminent danger resulting from weather disturbances and similar occurrences shall not be subjected to any administrative sanctions.
For those that won’t go to work, the Advisory provides that 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.
On the other hand, for those who will work, the employee is entitled to full regular pay provided that he/she has rendered work for not less than six hours.
DOLE also urged employers to provide extra incentives or benefits to employees who report for work on the said days in a bid to alleviate the plight of employees during weather disturbances and similar occurrences.
Laguesma issued the statement after Malacañang suspended work in government offices in the National Capital Region (NCR) on Monday.
The suspension was due to the threat of “Typhoon Egay” as well as the three-day transport strike in the NCR.
Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said government agencies will extend help to mitigate the effects of the transport strike.
“We will try out best,” Abalos told reporters in an interview Saturday.
Just like in past transport strikes, Abalos said he is “very sure” that many government agencies will help, including the giving of “libreng sakay” or free transportation to commuters who may be stranded.
“We will help here,” Abalos said, adding he is hoping transport groups will reconsider their decision to stage a strike.
“Dialogue is important. We are still hoping that there will be an agreement and they won’t time the (transport) strike (with the SONA,” said Abalos.
Also last Saturday, PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said the PNP has coordinated with local government units and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority in connection with the transport strike.
“We have created provisions for that in coordination with the LGUs and other agencies like MMDA,” said Acorda. He did not elaborate. — With Victor Reyes
