TUCP: Lockdown Will Come with Guidance on Labor

Last updated on May 7th, 2021 at 06:57 am

According to the Philippine Trade Union Congress (TUCP), employees are resentful about the lack of guidance on business lockdowns and compensated quarantine periods in the spread of coronavirus disease COVID-19.

Wide-spread confusion is emerging among the regular paying workers across industries over the lack of company guidance and inadequate policies in the event that government introduces mandatory workplace lockdowns and the incidence of work-related pollution in the light of that [COVID-19].

Actually employees are bound by the “no job, no pay” law.

Rank-and-file workers wonder why their employers pause or neglect workplace management debates about a possible shutdown.

He said staff were also resentful about the silence of their management as to whether those who are sickened will be charged and will receive remuneration for their treatment and hospitalization costs and have to endure a 14-day quarantine.

Mendoza added that DOLE must step in, and not allow the ranks to swell with dissension. They must push the employees and employers to formulate viable and acceptable mechanics unique to their industry and line of business in keeping productivity competitive without diminution of wages and benefits on the part of workers.

The Dole itself has taken measures to prevent the virus from spreading by introducing a national four-day workweek in all of its headquarters, regional offices and attached agencies.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said that, pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 922, Administrative Order No. 99-2020 issued on Wednesday declared a state of public health emergency throughout the country.

The new workweek is Monday to Thursday. Dole workers will work from 7 a.m. By 7 P.M.

Employees are expected to operate 10 hours a day, 12 noon-1 p.m. only. Meal time, while they can start working from 7 a.m. anytime. to 8 a.m.

Employees reported for work after eight a.m. will be considered tardy and those who do not complete 10 hours of work will be considered undertime. Off-setting of tardiness or undertime will not be allowed.