DOLE to set policy on high heels in workplace

MANILA, Philippines - To ensure the safety of women workers, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will soon come out with a new policy making wearing high heels in the workplace voluntary.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said yesterday a technical working group is already drafting the new policy.

“The technical working group is just awaiting inputs from other offices and agencies of DOLE and will soon submit its recommendations,” Bello said.

He said aside from making wearing high heels voluntary, DOLE may also require employers to provide seats for women workers, “provided they can perform their duties in this position without detriment to efficiency.”

Bello formed the TWG following numerous complaints that salesladies in department stores and similar establishments nationwide are being required to stand for the duration of their duty while wearing high-heeled shoes.

He earlier said wearing high heels for long periods is detrimental to employees’ health.