Aug. 25 work suspension up to private sector employers

By Ferdinand Patinio

 
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Thursday said it is leaving to private companies the discretion if they will suspend work on Friday, August 25.
    This came as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., in Memorandum Circular No. 27, suspended classes in public schools and work in government offices in Metro Manila and Bulacan next week, for the Aug. 25 opening ceremonies of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue town.
    “We always defer to the discretion of the private sector insofar as suspension of operations is concerned,” Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said in a text message.
    Laguesma said the government respects the management prerogative of private firms as long as these comply with laws, existing rules and regulations.
    At the same time, the DOLE chief noted that “no work, no pay” policy is implemented when an employee did not report to work on a day which was not declared a holiday.
    “The issuance is clear and self-explanatory so let's allow the private sector to make their judgment. You are very much aware of the complaints of firms, especially small ones, about too many holidays already and paid days without productivity,” the labor chief said.

“Remember in the private sector, the principle of 'no work, no pay' applies unless it's regular holiday or there's existing company policy beneficial to the workers,” he added. -- PNA