Double pay awaits workers today

MANILA, Philippines — Workers who opt to work today will receive double pay, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said yesterday.

The DOLE allowed employers not to immediately grant the mandated holiday pay to workers.

“In view of the coronavirus pandemic, employers are allowed to defer the payment of holiday pay,” the DOLE said in an advisory.

Thousands of business establishments have stopped operations due to lockdowns.

Malacañang has declared Aug. 31 as a regular holiday in observance of the National Heroes’ Day.

Under labor rules, employers are mandated to grant workers double of their regular daily pay for the first eight hours of work and additional 30 percent for overtime work.