DOLE reminds employers to accord elderly, PWD employees equal wages, benefits

By Analou De Vera, Manila Bulletin, 10 Nov 2019

Employers should provide their workers, who are senior citizens and PWDs (persons with disabilities), with equal wages and benefits, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said on Sunday.

“We noticed this good development in companies who employ senior citizens and PWDs because of the intensified advocacy of the government. However, we would like to remind them that these senior citizens and PWD workers are also entitled to equal wages and opportunities in the workplace,” said Labor Assistant Secretary Benjo Benavidez in a statement.

“The four-hour work scheme of the employed senior citizens and PWDs should also be according to the minimum wage law; while working for more than eight hours should be compensated with appropriate overtime pay,” added Benavidez.

The DOLE made the statement after various photos surfaced in different social media platforms, showing senior citizens and PWDs working in some fast food chains and restaurants in Metro Manila.

“The department is glad to receive these reports because they are being given the chance to have income and participate in the economic activity of the country despite their age or disability,” said Benavidez.

Meanwhile, the labor official also reminded employers that there are policies that promote equal access to employment regardless of their gender, ability, and age.

One example that was cited was Republic Act No. 10911 or the “Anti-Age Discrimination in Employment Act,” which aims to promote the employment of individuals based on their “abilities, knowledge, skills and qualifications rather than their age.”

“To aid the employers in enforcing the law, the labor department conducts frequent visits and seminars to encourage them to hire differently-abled persons and senior citizens and avail of the benefits of implementing the law such as the tax incentives schemes,” the DOLE said.