Guidelines for unvaccinated, on-site workers issued in the Philippines

On-site workers who refuse to get vaccinated against COVID-19 will be given several options before they are stopped from going to work by their employers, said the​​ Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE). 

A “no work, no pay” scheme should only serve as a last resort for employers to compel their workers to receive their vaccinations, said Labour Assistant Secretary Ma. Teresita S. Cucueco in a virtual press briefing, according to Business Mirror. 

Unvaccinated workers can opt for a work-from-home arrangement if that is a viable option, or use their leave credits so they can continue to get paid, she added. 

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“Once [the leave credit] is exhausted, then that is the time they have to go through a ‘no work, no pay [scheme]’,” said Cucueco.  Unvaccinated workers who want to work onsite can still do so if they take regular RT-PCR or ART tests at their own expenses, she added.

Starting December 1, all unvaccinated workers who have to work on-site must undergo mandatory testing for COVID-19.