TUCP asks hazard pay, paid quarantine leave for nCoV-exposed workers

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) is urging for hazard pay and a 14-day paid quarantine leave for workers exposed to or infected by the novel coronavirus while on duty.

TUCP President Raymond Mendoza stated there is an urgent need for government policy to ensure both public and private sectors provide additional compensation to frontline employees facing direct or indirect risk of nCoV infection.

Workers at air and seaports, cabin crew, pilots, immigration officers, ground personnel, medical professionals, cleaners, security guards in hospitals and quarantine facilities, and hotel and restaurant employees are identified as being in high risk of exposure.

Mendoza emphasized that these frontline workers, acting as the community's first line of defense, deserve extra compensation for their sacrifices.

The labor group insists that employees should not bear the economic burden of mandatory quarantine due to work-related exposure.

TUCP pointed out that current labor advisories, allowing the use of sick and vacation leaves for nCoV-related absences, are insufficient for the recommended 14-day quarantine period.

Mendoza said it is the right time to issue a policy regulation from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) for government employees and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for private business employees addressing this compensation gap.