Philippines first in Asia to ban high heels – group

MANILA, Philippines - Labor group Associated Labor Unions-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (ALU-TUCP) commended the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) yesterday for banning high-heeled shoes in the workplace.

“As far as as we know, the Philippines is the first country in Asia to ban the mandatory wearing of high heels in the workplace. We hope that the regulation will also be copied and applied for the benefit of workers in the entire Asia region,” ALU-TUCP spokesperson Alan Tanjusay said in a statement.

Last Friday, DOLE banned the mandatory use of shoes with heels higher than one inch by female workers.

DOLE also ordered companies to provide regular rest periods for employees who do their work standing up, such as sales clerks, security guards and factory workers.