Employees in the Philippines have the right to choose not to work due to extreme heat
In the scorching heat of the summer months, employees in the Philippines have the right to opt out of work if they deem the weather conditions to be dangerous. According to the Labor Minister of the Philippines, Bienvenido Laguesma, if employees identify any potential hazards that may pose a threat to their safety, whether imminent or foreseeable, they have a legitimate reason not to report to work or carry out their duties[^1^].
Deputy Minister of Labor, Benjo Benavidez, clarifies that the concept of an impending hazard applies to any unsafe conditions that could arise from human causes or natural occurrences, including weather phenomena such as El Nino[^1^]. However, it is important to note that if an employee chooses not to work, they may not receive regular wages, unless it is provided for in the company’s policy or a specific agreement that allows for paid leave or the use of accumulated vacation credits[^1^].
The months of March, April, and May are typically the hottest months in the Philippines, but this year’s weather conditions have become even more severe due to the ongoing El Nino phenomenon, which is expected to persist until May[^1^]. Several regions in the Philippines are experiencing “dangerous” levels of heat, with temperatures reaching up to 44 degrees Celsius[^1^].
As a result of the extreme heat, all public schools in the Philippines will switch to online learning until the situation improves[^1^]. Many schools have already had to close due to the heat, and as of last weekend, over 5,288 classes with more than 3.6 million affected students have transitioned to online learning[^1^]. Private schools, while not subject to the same regulations, have the option to implement similar measures to ensure the well-being of their students[^1^].
In conclusion, the welfare and safety of employees in the Philippines are of utmost importance. With the right to choose not to work in hazardous weather conditions, employees can prioritize their well-being without fear of repercussions. As the summer heat rages on, it is crucial for employers and organizations to support their workforce and ensure suitable measures are in place to mitigate the risks associated with extreme weather conditions.
[^1^]: Source: Business Today