• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reminded private-sector employers today, Dec. 15, to observe the proper payment of wages for the declared regular holidays and special non-working days this month.
DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma issued Labor Advisory No. 26, series of 2023, which prescribes the proper computation of workers’ wages for the regular holidays on Dec. 25 and 30, and special non-working day on Dec. 31.
He also issued Labor Advisory No. 28, dated Dec. 14, for the Dec. 26 special non-working day as per Proclamation No. 425 to “give the people the full opportunity to celebrate the holiday with their families and loved ones”.
The advisory prescribes that employees, who will render work during the regular holidays on Dec. 25 (Christmas Day) and Dec. 30 (Rizal Day), are entitled to 200 percent of their wage for the first eight hours.
If the employees will not report for work, they shall be paid 100 percent of their wage for that day, provided they worked or were on leave of absence with pay on the day immediately preceding the regular holiday.
Employees who will render overtime work shall be paid an additional 30 percent of their hourly rate on said day, or hourly rate of the basic wage x 200 percent x 130 percent x the number of OT hours worked.
Employees who will work on a regular holiday that also falls on their rest day shall be paid an additional 30 percent of the basic wage of 200 percent; while those who will render overtime work shall be paid an additional 30 percent of the hourly rate on said day, the DOLE said.
The labor advisory also states that for the special non-working days on Dec. 26 and 31, the “no work, no pay” principle shall apply unless there is a favorable company policy, practice, or collective bargaining agreement (CBA) granting payment on a special day.
Employees who will render work on Dec. 26 and 31 shall be paid an additional 30 percent of their basic wage on the first eight hours, while those who will render overtime work shall be paid an additional 30 percent of their hourly rate.
“Employees who will work on the special non-working day that also falls on their rest day shall be paid an additional 50 percent of their basic wage on the first eight hours; while those who will render overtime work shall be paid an additional 30 percent of their hourly rate on said day,” the DOLE added.
For further queries on the payment of wages, those interested may call the DOLE Hotline 1349, which is available 24/7, or call or text 0931-066-2573, Monday-Friday during office hours, it said. “Inquiries may also be sent via electronic mail to hotline1349@dole.gov.ph or via direct message to DOLE’s Facebook Page”. | CGC
