Cheyenne Suarez

No penalty for refusing unsafe work in bad weather—DOLE

Pedestrians watch navigate the flooded Pedro Gil Street in Manila on August 17, 2026. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Arthur Fuentes

ABS-CBN News

<div> </div>MANILA — Employees should not get penalized for not being able to report to work during floods or severe weather, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said on Thursday.  Private sector workers who fail or refuse to report to work due to dangerous weather conditions will not face administrative penalties, DOLE said under Labor Advisory No. 14, Series of 2026.“Employees who fail or refuse to work by reason of imminent danger resulting from weather disturbances and similar occurrences shall not be subject to any administrative sanction,” DOLE emphasized in the advisory.  The directive, signed by Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino, updates guidelines on work suspensions in the private sector during heavy rains, flooding, and similar emergencies. Under the issuance, private companies are encouraged to suspend work as a management prerogative in coordination with their safety officers to ensure employee welfare.  Regarding compensation rules, the labor department clarified that the &quot;no work, no pay&quot; principle generally applies during work suspensions. However, workers remain eligible for pay if covered by favorable company policies, collective bargaining agreements, or by utilizing their accrued leave credits.  For those who manage to report to duty during bad weather, DOLE noted that employees completing more than six hours of work are entitled to their full regular daily wage. Employees who work less than six hours will receive a proportionate amount of their regular pay.  DOLE urged employers and workplace safety committees across the country to maintain clear protocols during inclement weather to protect workers from occupational hazards while preserving employee rights.

Employees should not get penalized for not being able to report to work during floods or severe weather, the Department of Labor and Employment said on Thursday.

Employees should not get penalized for not being able to report to work during floods or severe weather, the Department of Labor and Employment said on Thursday.