Workers to get additional pay today

MANILA, Philippines – There may be no long weekend, but workers nationwide can still enjoy additional pay.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) yesterday announced that workers who will report for work today are entitled to receive additional pay.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz noted that Aug. 21 is considered a special non-working day nationwide, thus workers must receive extra pay as mandated by law.

Under the law a worker is entitled to additional 30 percent of his or her daily pay for the first eight hours of work and another 30 percent for services in excess of his regular working hours.

If the day falls on the employee’s rest day but he was required to work, he shall receive 150 percent for the first eight hours of work plus 30 percent for work for extra services.

Baldoz, however, stressed that a worker is not entitled to any payment if they would choose not to work, unless there is a favorable company policy, practice or collective bargaining agreement granting payment for special days even if the employee does not work.

The Labor chief reminded employers nationwide to comply with the appropriate labor standards covering workers on special non-working days and to give their workers their due overtime pay.

“Employers need to observe and comply with the law,” Baldoz said, while noting that President Aquino has issued a proclamation declaring Aug. 21 as a special holiday, making Monday, Aug. 23, a normal working day for all private employees. –Mayen Jaymalin (The Philippine Star)