Dole urges employers to protect workers during weather disasters

MANILA — The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) issued an advisory Tuesday directing employers to safeguard workers' rights during disruptive weather events, following recent flooding caused by typhoons and the southwest monsoon.

Dole emphasized that employers must prioritize worker safety when imminent danger threatens due to severe weather conditions. The agency instructed companies to provide alternative work arrangements for affected employees rather than penalizing them for absences during such emergencies.

The advisory comes as the country continues to experience disruptions from successive typhoons and seasonal monsoon rains that have caused widespread flooding in several regions. Dole stressed that workers' fundamental labor rights must remain protected regardless of workplace disruptions caused by natural disasters.

Employers are encouraged to develop contingency plans that ensure business continuity while maintaining employee welfare. The department reiterated that workers cannot be sanctioned for inability to report or work during periods when hazardous weather conditions make travel or operations unsafe.