MANILA, Philippines — Some labor groups are gearing to challenge before the Supreme Court the labor department’s extension of workers’ forced leave for a whole year, six months longer than allowed under the Labor Code. In contrast, the Labor Code only provides for the suspension of employment for up to six months. The department order provides that workers would not lose their employment if they find alternative work during the extension of their forced leave. It also says that workers would be entitled to separation pay should retrenchment be necessary before or after the period of extended forced leave. But Espiritu said the department order allows employers to “minimize, if not totally circumvent” the payment of separation pay.

Source: Philippine Star October 28, 2020 04:52 UTC