ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment-Region 9 (DOLE-9) reminded employers that there is no “no vaccine, no work” policy.
Lawyer Roy Buenafe, DOLE-9 Director, issued the reminder Saturday in case employers require their workers to be vaccinated before they can report for work.
DOLE-9, however, has not yet received any complaints regarding vaccine-related sanctions or terminations.
“DOLE reminds the public, especially workers and employers, that the imposition of the no vaccine, no work policy in the workplace is unlawful,” he said.
DOLE Labor Advisory No. 3, signed by Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III, reiterates that “any employee who refuses or fails to be vaccinated shall not be discriminated against in terms of tenure, promotion, training, pay, and other benefits, among others, or terminated from employment”.
Buenafe also cited Section 12 of Republic Act 11525 (Covid-19 Vaccine Program Act of 2021) that states the vaccination card shall not be a mandatory requirement for employment, nor should it be a pre-condition for hiring or for work continuity.
The advisory, also called Guidelines on the Administration of Covid-19 Vaccines in Workplaces, states that covered establishments and employers shall endeavor to encourage their employees to get vaccination.
It is not mandatory but necessary, the advisory reminded.
“It is important for workers to get vaccinated not only to keep the workforce healthy but also to achieve herd immunity to ensure swift recovery for the economy,” Buenafe said. (PNA)
