Employers told to observe holiday compensation schedules 

CEBU CITY, Philippines— The Labor Department has reminded employers to give due compensation to those who would render service during holidays.

Under the labor advisory issued by the Labor department, Araw ng Kagitingan on April 9, Maundy Thursday on April 18 and Good Friday on April 19 are regular non-working holidays.

This means that employees are entitled to their full basic pay for the day despite not having work schedules.

For workers who will still render service on these days, Department of Labor and Employment Central Visayas (DOLE-7) Regional Director Salome Siaton reminded employers to observe the proper compensation schedule.

“For the workers, who would be working on April 18 and 19 and those who worked on April 9 – Regular Holidays – they would be paid 200% of their daily wage for the first eight (8) hours. If they did not work on said days, still, they would receive 100% of their daily wage,” Siaton said in a media statement.

However, Siaton explained that for an employee to be entitled the full basic pay on the holidays, he should be present and must have rendered service during the immediate working day prior to the holiday.

On April 20, which is Black Saturday, workers who would still render service will also enjoy an additional 30 percent on top of their basic pay it is declared as a special non-working holiday.

“The principle of “No Work, No Pay,” shall apply on a Special Non-Working Holiday, unless there is a favorable company policy, practice or collective bargaining agreement (CBA) granting payment on a special non-working day,” DOLE-7’s statement added. /bmjo