
MANILA – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has yet to receive complaints about the ‘no vaccine, no work policy’ enforced by some employers.
“We have not yet received a formal complaint or complaint. What we get are reports, but no companies are named,” Labor Undersecretary Benjo Benavidez said in a Laging Handa briefing on Thursday.
However, Benavidez stated that they are currently undertaking their own investigations into the reports.
“We have our own investigation, in addition to inspection, to find out who these companies are and where they are for them to be inspected,” Benavidez said.
He stated that any employee who has been terminated or suspended for failing to be vaccinated can make a complaint.
“But if the unvaccinated person is not admitted, his salary will continue. If he is removed or suspended, he can file a complaint for illegal suspension or illegal termination,” he added.
Benavidez further said that company inspections for compliance with health and safety regulations, health practices, and workplace vaccinations will continue.
“The inspection will continue. 84,000 (establishments) is the target this year for inspection to ensure they comply with occupational health and safety standards and health protocols and vaccination. There are no penalties contained in the labor advisory,” he said.
The DOLE has already informed employers that immunization against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is not required for employees.
It also said that enforcing a “no vaccine, no work policy” has no legal basis.