Private-sector workers may refuse to report for work without facing administrative sanctions when severe weather or similar events pose an imminent danger to their safety and health, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole).
The protection is contained in Labor Advisory No. 14, Series of 2026, which updates the rules on work suspensions during weather disturbances and other disruptive events.
Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino signed the advisory on Aug. 19 amid recent flooding and weather disturbances that have affected workers and communities nationwide.
Under the guidelines, workers who fail or refuse to work because of imminent danger arising from weather disturbances or similar occurrences cannot be subjected to administrative penalties.
Employers may also suspend operations when conditions threaten workers’ safety, in coordination with their safety and health committee, safety officer or another responsible company official.
However, the advisory does not automatically guarantee pay when work is suspended.
Employees who do not report because of a work suspension are generally not entitled to regular pay unless a company policy, established practice or collective bargaining agreement provides otherwise.
Workers may instead use accrued leave credits if their employer allows it.
Those who report for duty and work for at least six hours are entitled to their full regular pay.
Employees who render less than six hours will receive pay proportionate to the hours worked, unless more favorable company policies or practices apply.
Employers may also grant additional incentives or benefits to employees who still report for work during severe weather and similar disruptions.
Labor Advisory No. 14 updates guidelines issued in November 2025 covering workers exposed to imminent danger from disruptive events.
The earlier rules covered not only natural disasters but also industrial accidents and public health emergencies.
DOLE said the updated policy is intended to keep workplace safety protections in place during emergencies while allowing businesses to respond to disruptions.