‘Employees may skip work amid heat, but no pay’

MANILA, Philippines — Workers may opt not to report for work to avoid scorching heat, but will not get paid for the day, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

As provided under DOLE Advisory No. 17-2022, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said an employee has the option not to report for work due to dangers linked to extreme heat.

“Extreme heat is a form of weather disturbance, like El Niño. If reporting will expose the worker to danger, whether actual or imminent, then the worker is justified not to report or render work,” Laguesma disclosed.

“(This is) not simply because of extreme heat but also due to unsafe and unhealthy conditions,” the labor chief pointed out.

The concept of imminent danger applies to all unsafe conditions that may be brought about by human-induced and natural disturbances, including El Niño, Labor Undersecretary Benjo Benavidez explained.

An employee who fails or refuses to work by reason of imminent danger resulting from weather disturbances and similar occurrences is free from administrative sanction.

The same DOLE advisory, however, also provides that the employee who opted not to work is not entitled to regular pay, except when there is a favorable company policy, practice, or collective bargaining agreement granting payment of wages on the said day, or when the employee is allowed to utilize accrued leave credits.

Laguesma reminded employees to inform their employer to avoid any misunderstanding in the workplace.

Meanwhile, those who may get hospitalized due to heat exhaustion or heat stroke are entitled to avail themselves of Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) benefits.

“Members admitted at any PhilHealth-accredited health facility due to heat stroke or heat exhaustion are entitled to a benefit package amounting to P6,500,” PhilHealth said.

The benefit package also includes P4,550 for hospital fees and P1,950 for professional fees.

PhilHealth reminds its members to take extra precautions against heat-related illnesses such as limiting outdoor activities, drinking plenty of water and avoiding iced tea, soda, coffee, or alcoholic drinks.

House committee on labor and employment chair Rep. Fidel