DOLE: Incentives for workers who report during calamities

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment on Thursday urged companies and employers to reward their employee who reported for work during the onslaught of Typhoon "Glenda."

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapiliz-Baldoz said that employees do not currently receive additional pay aside from their salary for the day even if they worked during inclement weather.

"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 in a statement Wednesday.

She also encouraged companies to provide free transportation, food, personal protective equipment and first-aid medicines, if necessary, to their workers during calamities.

Baldoz also advised all private sector employers on the rules for pay on the suspension of work due to the typhoon.

She said that rules indicate no pay for employees did not work, unless a collective bargaining agreement between the firm and employees has been forged to change company policy.

"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.