Workers entitled to holiday pay October 31, November 1

MANILA, Philippines — Workers can opt either for a bigger paycheck or just enjoy a two-day holiday, with the Department of Labor and Employment saying those who report for work today and tomorrow are entitled to extra pay.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma noted that Monday and Tuesday have been declared as special non-working days to enable people to observe All Saints’ Day and visit their departed loved ones.

Those who will choose to work shall receive an additional 30 percent of their regular daily pay for the first eight hours of work as provided under the rules.

“For work done in excess of eight hours, an employee shall be paid an additional 30 percent of the hourly rate on the said day,” Laguesma said.

Employees who will work on a special day that also falls on their rest day shall be paid an additional 50 percent basic wage on the first eight hours of work and another 30 percent of the hourly rate of the basic for service beyond regular working hours.

But Laguesma said the “no work, no pay” principle shall apply to those who will not report for work.

Unless there is a favorable company policy, practice, or collective bargaining agreement granting payment on a special day, he said the “no work, no pay” principle shall prevail.

On Wednesday, All Souls’ Day, workers who report for work are entitled only to their daily wage.

“No premium pay is required since it is considered an ordinary working day,” Laguesma said.