BACOLOD City Mayor Evelio Leonardia appealed to all the business establishment owners in the city to extend at least one month of gratuity pay for their employees in addition to the usual salaries and 13th month pay during this period of community quarantine to soften the impact of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis on employees.
On March 20, Leonardia issued an Executive Advisory No.2 addressed to all the business establishment owners in Bacolod.
Leonardia said that this advisory is borne out of their consultation with a group of business owners in the city on March 19. Among other important issues taken up during that meeting was the plight of the employees of the businessmen.
He said Edgar Sy, proprietor of O Hotel and O Residences, forwarded the plea to his fellow businessmen, to work out and pay at least one-month gratuity for their employees during this period of community quarantine on top of their salaries and 13th month pay. The latter benefit may also be advanced in part or in full.
"The negative impact of Covid-19 pandemic in business cannot be overlooked. Of equal concern, however, is that our low-income earners should also be able to sustain the needs of their families during the quarantine period," he added.
The mayor noted that with the implementation of Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) Advisory No. 9 Series of 2020 by some, if not by majority of business, employees are now facing its consequence. One of these impacts is the "No Work-No Pay Policy" in case of reduced working hours due to flexible work arrangements.
"Under this scenario, therefore, our employees will not be able to sustain themselves in the event of a prolonged quarantine, and especially, if we level up to enhanced community quarantine where offices and businesses will be closed. Thus, it is with deep concern that the undersigned pleads with business owners that, if possible they extend at least one month of gratuity pay for their employees in addition to the usual salaries and 13th month pay. Such compassionate act shall surely soften the impact of the crisis on these employees," Leonardia said.
The mayor also urged all non-essential businesses should adopt flexible work arrangements by reducing the number of working days for their out-of-town employees.
Leonardia said this measure shall significantly help in reducing the number of persons entering the city on a daily basis.
"Indubitably, the above recommendation shall cost the business sector money, but during this time of crisis, our employees must be aided to survive," he said.
