MANILA, Philippines — As Typhoon Carina intensifies, work operations in the private sector are also now suspended, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said Wednesday.
An earlier announcement from Malacañang only suspends classes at all levels and work in government offices within the National Capital Region and it is only upon the discretion of private companies to suspend their operations.
In a memorandum, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma clarified that, according to the law, employees are entitled to their regular pay even if they do not work, except in cases where there is a favorable company policy, practice, or collective bargaining agreement that grants payment for the day in question or when the employee can use their accrued leave credits.
For employees who work:
– If the employee works at least six hours, they are entitled to their full regular pay.
– If the employee works less than six hours, they will receive a proportionate amount of the regular pay. This is subject to any existing company policies or practices that are more beneficial to the employee.
To support employees during weather disturbances and similar events, employers are encouraged to provide additional incentives or benefits to those who report to work on such days.
The DOLE also reminded that employees who are unable or refuse to work due to imminent danger from weather disturbances or similar events should not face any administrative sanctions.
State weather bureau PAGASA said that typhoon “Carina” is forecasted to make landfall over the northern portion of Taiwan on Wednesday afternoon or early evening. It is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Wednesday night or Thursday morning.
The center of the typhoon’s eye was located 290 kilometers northeast of Itbayat, Batanes, with maximum sustained winds of 155 kilometers per hour, it said.
The typhoon is anticipated to continue moving northwest toward Taiwan at a speed of 25 kilometers per hour, said the state weather bureau.
