The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has asked businesses and companies, especially in the private sector, to be more lenient and considerate of employees who can’t go to work because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

DOLE Undersecretary Ana Dione said in a press briefing together with the Department of Health on May 20 that the ‘no work, no pay’ policy still applies to workers who have exhausted their leave credits during quarantine. But employers are asked to carefully evaluate as to why employees can’t report for work.

“Please take care of the workers because we’re in a difficult situation… What’s important is they follow the instructions if they truly have to undergo quarantine. We are saying they should attend more to [their] health than work. Their relationship with their company will be attended to later,” Dione addressed employers.

She added that there shouldn’t be any immediate disciplinary action against employees who missed working days because of quarantine limitations and restrictions.

Businesses and companies that chose to resume operations under the modified enhanced community quarantine should be able to provide shuttle services for employees. Otherwise, they should not be forced to go to work according to the Department of Trade and Industry.

DOLE has also issued guidelines for alternative work schemes for employee welfare.