Philippines' DOLE urges alternative work arrangements, bars sanctions against workers during disruptive events

The Philippines' Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has reiterated employers' responsibilities to protect workers during disruptive events, reminding companies to prioritise employee safety, implement alternative work arrangements and refrain from penalising workers who are unable to report to work because of imminent danger.

The guidance comes as several parts of the country continue to grapple with severe flooding triggered by recent typhoons and the southwest monsoon, which have disrupted business operations, transportation and access to workplaces.

In an advisory issued on Tuesday, DOLE emphasised that employers must immediately assess workplace risks when disruptive events threaten the health and safety of employees. The department said companies should explore alternative work arrangements whenever possible to ensure business continuity without compromising worker welfare.

Under Labor Advisory No. 15, Series of 2025, workers who fail to report for work because of identified threats of imminent danger should not be subjected to disciplinary action, sanctions or any form of punishment.

The advisory broadly defines disruptive events as both natural and human-induced disasters, including floods, typhoons, earthquakes, public health emergencies, industrial accidents and other incidents that may expose workers to hazardous conditions.

DOLE also clarified compensation arrangements during work suspensions caused by disruptive events. In the absence of more favourable company policies or provisions under collective bargaining agreements, the department recommended applying the "No Work, No Pay" principle for periods when operations are suspended because of adverse conditions.

At the same time, the labour department recognised that some industries may need to maintain essential operations during emergencies. Employers may retain critical personnel to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential services, provided that adequate protective measures are in place to safeguard employees.

The advisory further instructed employers to suspend operations when disasters create immediate threats, implement alternative work arrangements and consider the specific needs of vulnerable workers.

Beyond emergency response measures, DOLE reminded organisations to strengthen disaster preparedness and workplace safety programmes. Employers were urged to conduct hazard identification and risk assessments regularly while ensuring that workers have access to appropriate safety equipment and personal protective equipment.

The department encouraged employees with concerns regarding workplace arrangements during disruptive events to seek assistance through the DOLE hotline or its official communication channels.