Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III has reminded the private employers to implement proper wage rules and occupational safety standards during the Christmas and New Year season.
“Pay them [employees] correctly during the holidays; observing standards and fundamental compensation guidelines, labor safety, and health standards on [the] holidays is good for business,” said Bello, urging the employers to “share their blessings and joy of the season” and in the interest of our workers’ welfare and protection,
He pointed out Proclamation Number 1105 Series of 2015 signed on August 20, 2015, and Proclamation Number 117 Series of 2016 signed on December 13, 2016, covering the regular holidays on December 25 and 30, 2016, and January 1, 2017, and other special non-working days for the holiday breaks.
“Employees who will work on December 25th [Christmas Day] and 30th [Rizal Day], and January 1st [New Year’s Day] or regular holidays will receive double pay,” Bello added.
Bello explained that employees who will work overtime on the mentioned dates would receive additional 30 percent of their hourly rate, and if the date falls on the employee’s rest day, he or she will receive an additional 30 percent on top of the 200 percent of his or her daily rate.
Hence, the “No work, no pay” policy will be issued on the 24th and 31st of December 2016, dates declared by the government as non-working days.
However, the employee did not work on the holidays, he or she should be paid 100 percent of his or her salary.
Proper observance of the pay rules on regular holidays and special-non-working days will lead to more productive and competent employees, said Bello.
Bello pointed out non-payment of holiday pay is one of the most common concerns brought by workers to the Department.
“If employers will follow the guidelines and observe fair labor practices, then workers will have no reason to complain because their rights at work are respected,” Bello said.
