BACOLOD City – Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia asked companies in this city to consider giving gratuity pay for their employees affected by the nearly month-long general community quarantine against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
He recently issued Executive Advisory following their consultation with a group of business owners in this city on March 19, that part that they had tackled was the plight of the employees of the businessmen-to work out and pay at least a one-month gratuity for their employees during this period of community quarantine on top of their salaries and 13th month pay.
Edgar Sy, proprietor of O’Hotel and O Residences, proposed that the said benefit may also be advanced in part or in full.
The advisory cited that the negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on businesses cannot be overlooked.
“Our low-income earners should also be able to sustain the needs of their families during the quarantine period.With the implementation of Department of Labor and Employment Advisory No.9, series of 2020 by some, if not by majority of businesses, employees are now facing consequences,” it added.
It further cited, one of these is the impact of “no work, no pay” policy in case of reduced working hours due to flexible work arrangements.
Leonardia said, under this scenario the employees will not be able to sustain themselves in the event of a prolonged quarantine and especially if we level up to an Enhanced Community Quarantine where offices and businesses will be closed.
He added the gratuity pay “is such a compassionate act that surely softens the impact crisis on these employees.”
Leonardia urged that all non-essential businesses should adopt flexible work arrangements by reducing the number of working days for their out-of-town employees./PN
