DOLE issues clarification on extended Christmas holiday

Only government workers in the executive branch will enjoy an extended Christmas holiday break next week, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III disclosed that employees in other branches of the government and the private sector are not covered by Memorandum Circular No. 37 issued by Malacañang last week.

MC 37 suspended work in government offices managed by the executive branch on Dec. 26, 2017 and Jan. 2, 2018 to allow public servants to spend more time with their families.

“December 26 and January 2 will be special non-working holidays for the executive branch of the government. It will not cover the legislative and judicial branch as well as the private sector,” Bello said.

“But they could make a similar declaration if they would want to,” he added.

He issued the clarification yesterday after receiving inquires from some workers about the said issuance.

MC 37 will apply to government-own and-controlled corporations, financial institutions, state universities and colleges, local government units, and other agencies and instrumentalities.

However, it will not apply “to agencies whose function involve the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness/response to disasters and calamities, and/or the performance of other vital services.”

Bello also reiterated his reminders to private sector employers to comply with the special pay rules on December 25, which has been declared by Malacañang as a regular holiday.

During a regular holiday, workers will get twice their regular salary if they report for work.