DOLE to enforce labor advisories amid El Niño health risks

Metro Manila, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said it will issue four labor guidelines for employers and workers in light of health risks posed by the ongoing El Niño phenomenon.

Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said Friday that the upcoming guidelines seek to safeguard workers from heat-related illnesses.

He said the primary beneficiaries of these advisories are outdoor laborers, such as construction workers and delivery riders, whose duties expose them to extreme temperatures daily.

Preventive measures will be enforced during high heat index levels to ensure workers’ health is not compromised.

“Nakasulat sa labor advisory na walang bawas sa sweldo … bawat kategorya po ay may mga kaukulang gawain si employer. Ganun din si employee na dapat sundin para sa kanilang kapakanan,” the labor chief said.

[Translation: The labor advisory states there will be no salary deductions… Each category outlines specific responsibilities for employers, as well as rules employees must follow for their own protection.]

Workers suffering from heat-related conditions will also be eligible to file claims through the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC).

“’Yung Employees’ Compensation Commission, hawak din naman po niya ang SSS at GSIS, maglalabas po ako ng labor advisory kung saan ‘yung heat-related injuries—heat stroke, heat cramps, heat exhaustion na work-related—would be compensable,” he added.

[Translation: The Employees’ Compensation Commission, which coordinates with both the SSS and GSIS, will issue a labor advisory specifying that work-related conditions—such as heat stroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion—will be compensable.]

Addressing delivery riders’ welfare, DOLE noted that designated cooling hubs will be available for rest breaks. Delivery platforms will be prohibited from penalizing riders if extreme weather conditions cause service delays.

DOLE added that it will coordinate with delivery companies to ensure greater flexibility and leniency for their riders during dangerous heat index spikes.