DOLE thanks firms for paying workers full salaries during ECQ

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has expressed gratitude to several large companies for committing to provide their employees with full pay during the enhanced community quarantine period.

Companies like Aboitiz, Ayala, ICTSI/Solaire Group, JG Summit, Jollibee, Lucio Tan, Metro Pacific, San Miguel Corporation, SM, and Udenna Group have pledged to ensure their workers receive their full salaries.

In many instances, these companies will allow employees to use their leave credits sparingly, advance their 13th and/or 14th month pay, and offer other forms of financial assistance.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III appealed to other businesses to follow suit and avoid retrenchment, suspension of operations, or any measures that would further worsen the economic situation of workers.

Bello urged employers to consider advancing the 13th and 14th month pay to help employees purchase essential goods during the quarantine.

The Kilusan sa Jollibee Foods Corporation-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (KILUSAN-JFC-TUCP) praised Jollibee's move as a significant morale boost and a catalyst for other businesses to support their staff.

Associated Labor Unions (ALU) commended SM Supermalls and Robinsons Mall for waiving rental fees for tenants, enabling them to pay their employees' salaries and 13th month pay in advance.

ALU also recognized business leader Manny Pangilinan for advancing the 13th month pay for employees of PLDT, Smart, and Manila Electric Company.

These initiatives are expected to foster worker loyalty, improve productivity, and promote a sense of unity and bayanihan during the challenging times.

Ensuring workers' financial stability is seen as crucial for compliance with home quarantine policies, thereby helping to curb the spread of COVID-19.