Gov't urged to extend work suspension in Uwan-affected areas

A workers’ welfare called on the national government to extend the work suspension to all private establishments in areas affected by Super Typhoon Uwan.

As of Monday, 10 November, Typhoon Uwan has left at least two people dead and two injured, with nearly half a million Filipinos forced to flee their homes, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

"Workers are not typhoon-proof — their safety and their families’ well-being must come first," the Institute for Occupational Health and Safety Development (IOHSAD) said.

"Authorities must also ensure that workers receive their full pay despite the suspension. No one should have to choose between safety and livelihood in times of disaster," IOHSAD added.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Law and Department of Labor and Employment Labor Advisory No. 17-22, workers have the right to not report to work during hazardous weather conditions, such as heavy rain and severe flooding caused by typhoons.

The law prohibits any punishment for employees who choose not to report to work.

Employees who report to work despite the danger are entitled to receive their regular wages if they have worked for at least six hours.

As of Monday morning, 482,614 people had been displaced. Around three in five were already in evacuation centers, while others were served outside.

With 652,768 of the 836,572 affected individuals nationwide, Bicol Region was the hardest hit.

The region also reported the highest number of displaced families, most of whom are now in evacuation centers.