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Labor Law Review Final Exam Reviewer
Labor Law Review Final Exam Reviewer
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COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT (CBA) D. Substitutionary Doctrine
E. Renewal
“Collective Bargaining Agreement” or “CBA” refers to the contract i. Retroactivity
between a legitimate labor union and employer concerning wages, ii. Holdover Principle
hours of work, and all other terms and conditions of employment in a iii. Arbitral Award
bargaining unit. (Sec. 1(j), Rule I, Book Five, Omnibus Rules
Implementing the Labor Code) I. JURISDICTIONAL REQUIREMENTS: the preconditions for
setting in motion the mechanics of collective bargaining.
Q: “A CBA is not an ordinary contract as it is imbued with
public interest.” What is the implication of this statement? Q: If the employer received a letter from the employee union
demanding to start negotiation to collectively bargain, and the
A: Since the CBA is impressed with public interest, the State will employer sought your advice, being the legal counsel, if it
more likely interfere if there are irregularities in the contract. should negotiate with the union, what should be your advice?
What should the employer check before it proceeds to negotiate
Samahang Manggagawa sa Top Form Manufacturing v. NLRC with the employee union?
(1998): The CBA is the law between the contracting parties — the
collective bargaining representative and the employer-company. A: The employer must first check the jurisdictional requirements.
Compliance with a CBA is mandated by the expressed policy to Under the jurisprudence (Kiok Loy v. NLRC and Associate Labor
give protection to labor. In the same vein, CBA provisions should Unions v. Ferrer-Calleja), the following are the jurisdictional
be "construed liberally rather than narrowly and technically, and the requirements which should be present before a collective bargaining
courts must place a practical and realistic construction upon it, negotiation could commence:
giving due consideration to the context in which it is negotiated and (1) The union must be able to prove its existence and status as
purpose which it is intended to serve." This is founded on the dictum the exclusive bargaining representative;
that a CBA is not an ordinary contract but one impressed with (2) The union must be able to show proof that it is indeed the
public interest. exclusive bargaining representative;
(3) The union must have presented prior demand to negotiate.
Important concepts under this topic:
I. Jurisdictional Requirements Q: Without the jurisdictional requirements, employer cannot
II. Duty to Collectively Bargain negotiate. What if it is present and yet the employer refuses to
III. Procedure in Collective Bargaining negotiate?
A. Negotiation, Execution, Ratification
B. Registration A: There is ULP (negotiation in bad faith).
IV. Life of the CBA
A. Economic Provisions Q: Can the employer initiate or send an invitation to negotiate
B. Political/ Representation Aspect collective bargaining with the exclusive bargaining
C. Freedom Period representative?
Art 261 [250] & Sec. 20 RA 6715: PROCEDURE IN COLLECTIVE BARGAINING (When parties have differences)
Art 261 [250] and Rule XVII, Book Five, Omnibus Rules Implementing the Labor Code:
PROCEDURE IN COLLECTIVE BARGAINING (When parties’ differences are settled or when parties have no differences)
Must be at least 5
If approved,
days before
ratification issue Cert. of
Registration
w/in 10 days fr. w/in 10 days fr.
Receipt of Denial Receipt of Notice If requirements are
Appeal to of Application Denial of incomplete issue notice
BLR /SOLE Application to complete reqs.
Samahang Manggagawa sa Top Form Manufacturing v. NLRC A: Under Rule XVII, Book Five of the Omnibus Rules
(1998): With the execution of the CBA, bad faith bargaining can no Implementing the Labor Code, the following are the requirements
longer be imputed upon any of the parties thereto. All provisions in for the registration of the CBA:
the CBA are supposed to have been jointly and voluntarily (1) Copy of the CBA
incorporated therein by the parties. (2) Statement that the CBA was posted in at least 2
conspicuous places in the establishment or establishments
Ratification of the CBA (Sec. 2, Rule XVII, Omnibus Rules concerned for at least 5 days before its ratification
Implementing the Labor Code) (3) Statement that the collective bargaining agreement was
ratified by the majority of the employees in the bargaining
“Ratification” refers to the majority of the members of a bargaining unit of the employer or employees concerned.
unit which the union represents giving their consent to the terms and (4) Payment of the prescribed registration fee.
conditions of the CBA.
Ratification is mandatory and failure to have a CBA Q. What is the consequence of non-registration of the CBA?
ratified will prevent it from being registered.
It is important to note that this refers to all members of A: Registration of the CBA is in the interest of the incumbent union in
the bargaining unit and not merely the members of the order to claim the protection of the Contract Bar Rule. An
EBR union. unregistered CBA is deemed to be binding only upon the parties but
There is no set time period over which the ratification not rival unions.
must be accomplished. Must at least be done within a
reasonable period of time. “Conspicuous place” usually refers to a bulletin board.
Re: Precedence of CBA signing vs. CBA ratification
Registration (A231, Labor Code) Law and IRR is silent. Depends entirely on
Within thirty (30) days from the execution of a Collective Bargaining the situation at hand.
Agreement, the parties shall submit copies of the same directly to the What is important is that the union duly
BLR or the Regional Offices of the DOLE for registration, submits the signed CBA and the ratification
accompanied with verified proofs of its posting in two conspicuous anyway.
places in the place of work and ratification by the majority of all the o 30 days is reckoned from the meeting of minds
workers in the bargaining unit. The BLR or Regional Offices shall act between the EBR union and the employer and not
upon the application for registration of such Collective Bargaining from the actual signing of the CBA.
Agreement within five (5) calendar days from receipt thereof. The
ART 265 [253-A]: LIFE OF THE CBA Rules on Retroactive and Holdover
Political/Representation Aspect Application on CBA Renewal
Aspect (possible applications)
Economic Aspect
Freedom Period Retroactivity Rules on
Substitutionary Doctrine Arbitral Awards
(possible application)
MERALCO v. Quisumbing (1999): the signing bonus is a grant UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICE (ULP)
motivated by the goodwill generated when a CBA is successfully
negotiated and signed between the employer and the union. a Q: What is ULP?
A: ULP has three (3) elements, namely (EVE): Q: Is it necessary that we consider the “violation of the right to
1. That there is an Employer-employee relationship self-organize” as an element of ULP?
between the offender and the offended;
2. That the act done is Expressly defined in the Code A: YES. The violation of the right to self-organize is an element.
as an act of unfair labor practice; Upon reading the introductory phrase in Art. 257 which states, “unfair
3. That there is a Violation of the right to self-organize. labor practices violate the constitutional right of workers and
employees to self-organization x x x” it would appear that the
N.B. There are really three (3) elements, sometimes some violation of the right to self-organize is an inherent element. But we
authorities will say that there are only two (2) elements. The should still consider it separately because there is no ULP if there is
element of employer-employee relationship is usually excluded no violation of the right to self-organize.
since it is already a “given”, but it is really an element of ULP.
There can be no ULP without an employer-employee Q: Art. 259 (F) states that it shall be unlawful for an employer to
relationship. “dismiss, discharge, or otherwise prejudice or discriminate
against an employee for having given or being about to give
Q: Is every unfair act ULP? testimony under this Code”. If the law refers to the Code, should
this still be restricted to the right to self-organize?
A: NO. Not every unfair act is ULP because ULP has to be related to
self-organization and to the observance of the CBA. (I.E. An A: NO. If it refers to the Code, the testimony need not be restricted or
employer promoted an employee who does not deserve to be necessarily related to the right to self-organize. Art. 259 (F) need not
promoted because he does not do quality work. This is unfair but the be related to the right to self-organize.
employer does not commit ULP because promoting the undeserving
employee has nothing to do with the worker’s right to self-organize). Q: If Art. 259 (F) need not be related to self-organization, how do
we reconcile this with the ULP element of the presence of a
violation of the right to self-organize?
Unfair labor practice refers to acts that violate the workers right to
organize. The prohibited acts are related to the workers right to self- A: The phrase “under this code” in Art. 259 (F) is not a typographical
organization and to the observance of a CBA. Without that element, error. It is still related to the right to self-organize. The violation of
the acts, no matter how unfair, are not unfair labor practices (Philcom right to self organize is indeed an element of ULP. Some authorities
Employees Union v. Philippine Global Communications, 495 SCRA
reconcile it in this manner: The moment the employer retaliates when
214).
the employee gives or agrees to give testimony against the employer
on any matter falling under the Code, it creates a “chilling effect”
A: F. ULP is considered as a public offense which carries both (1) Q: If one files the criminal case directly, what is the ground for
civil and (2) criminal liabilities. its dismissal?
If the employer grossly violates its CBA with the duly recognized A: Failure to comply with condition precedent.
union, the former may be held administratively and criminally liable
for unfair labor practice (Employees Union of Bayer v. Bayer Phils., Q: What is the “condition precedent” (1) mere filing of the civil
December 6, 2010). case or (2) filing of the civil case and a finding of ULP?
Unfair labor practice cases are not, in view of the public interest A: Latter. The condition precedent is the filing of the civil case and a
involved, subject to compromises (CLLG E.G. Gochangco Workers finding of ULP. Mere filing of the civil case not sufficient.
Union v. NLRC, No.L-67158, etc., 161 SCRA 655).
Art. 258 states, “concept of unfair labor practice and procedure for
prosecution thereof - x x x no criminal prosecution under this Title
may be instituted without a final judgment finding that an unfair labor
practice was committed x x x (As amended by Batas Pambansa
Bilang 70, May 1, 1980 and later further amended by Section 19,
Republic Act No. 6715, March 21, 1989).”
Q: What are the two (2) types of ULP? Q: Can you consider inaction as assent re ULP?
A: (1) ULP committed by employers and (2) ULP committed by labor A: YES. It is deemed ratified. Thus, officer or agent who did not
organizations object to the ULP can be held liable.
Q: In ULP cases, who shall be liable? N.B. Remember the rule in the Corporation Code wherein the
officer must express his objection in writing (or register the same
A: Art. 259 states, “x x x the provisions of the preceding paragraph in the minutes of the meeting) for him to be exempted.
notwithstanding, only the officers and agents of corporations,
associations, partnerships who have actually participated in, Q: What is the “Totality of Conduct Doctrine”?
authorized or ratified unfair labor practices shall be held criminally
liable. (As amended by B.P. Blg. 130, August 21, 1981).” A: The culpability of employer’s remarks will be evaluated on basis of
its implication and background of circumstances.
Art. 304 states, “who are liable when committed by other than natural
person. - If the offense is committed by a corporation, trust, firm, N.B. Normally this is applied when the employer gives a remark.
partnership, association or any other entity, the penalty shall be At this point one should decide if it is ULP or not when the
imposed upon the guilty officer or officers of such corporation, trust, employer said the remark. Sometimes one says different things
firm, partnership, association or entity.” from what he does so take the remark in question with other
circumstances (I.E. “I’m against unions” but it’s not coupled with
Art. 260 states, “x x x the provisions of the preceding paragraph any other questionable act then no ULP).
notwithstanding, only the officers, members of governing boards,
representatives or agents or members of labor associations or Q: Art. 259 (A) which states that it shall be unlawful for an
organizations who have actually participated in, authorized, or ratified employer “to interfere with, restrain or coerce employees in the
unfair labor practices shall be held criminally liable. (As amended by exercise of their right to self-organization” is a straightforward
B.P. Blg. 130, August 21, 1981).” catch-all provision. How about attempts to union bust? Is it
already ULP?
Q: If there was ULP but the president of the corporation was on
vacation when such was committed, will he be held liable ? A: NO. Not automatically. It Is important for you to test the act. An
attempt may or may not be ULP.
A: NO. The law states that only officers or agents who “actually
participated in, authorized, or ratified unfair labor practices shall be
held criminally liable”.
A: A promise exacted from workers or prospective employees, as a A: In answering this question, there is no hard and fast rule. Case to
condition of employment, that they will not join a labor organization or case basis. On one hand you can argue that these are union
shall withdraw from one to which he belongs. expenses hence falling within Art. 259 (D). On the other hand, you
can argue that it is not ULP (I.E. In case it is company practice).
Art. 259 (B) states that it shall be unlawful for an employer “to require
as a condition of employment that a person or an employee shall not N.B. Know the list under Art. 259 and 260 so you have something
join a labor organization or shall withdraw from one to which he to start with in answering the question.
belongs”
Q: What is the rule with regard discrimination?
Q: Is there an exception to Art. 259 (B)?
A: Art. 259 (E) states that it shall be unlawful for an employer “to
A: Members of the INC religious sect, although they may form unions discriminate in regard to wages, hours of work and other terms and
of their own. conditions of employment in order to encourage or discourage
membership in any labor organization”.
Q: T/F Contracting out of work is prohibited.
N.B. Discrimination is not unlawful per se. This article is a
A: F. The law just stated that an employer should not contract out question of intention. Just because the benefits to non-union
work in bad faith and when it will interfere with employees’ right to members are different does not automatically mean there is ULP.
self-organize. Check first if discrimination is meant to encourage or discourage
membership. What is prohibited is the discrimination to convince
employees not to join a union.
Q: What is the exception to the rule on discrimination in Art. 259 N.B. During the freedom period, members of bargaining union can
(E)? jump ship and file for PCE.
A: NO. There are employees who are exempt from joining the union
(I.E. Those disqualified, religious objectors, employees already in the
service and already members of a union other than the majority at
the time the closed shop agreement took effect, employees exempt
by express terms of the CBA).
Q: Can there be a valid strike without labor dispute? Requisites of a Valid Strike or Lockout:
A: No. There should be irreconcilable differences between the 1.) Purpose – To be valid the strike/lockout must be based on a
employee and employer, and the issue should relate to a serious valid purpose.
matter regarding employment, i.e ULP/Deadlock. The existence of a
labor dispute is an essential condition before a strike or a lockout Q: What are the valid or lawful purposes of a
may be validly held. strike/lockout?
Q: What is a labor dispute? A: The labor dispute must be based only on 2 purposes:
An industrial or labor dispute includes any controversy or matter a.) Economic – By reason of a Collective Bargaining
concerning terms or conditions of employment or the association or Deadlock (CBD)
Or
Exception: Good Faith Strike/Lockout - When the union or Note: This shall apply only to employees employed in
employer believed that an Unfair Labor Practice has been governmental functions and not to those employed in
committed and the circumstances warranted such belief in proprietary functions of the Government including, but not
good faith, although the ULP is subsequently found as not limited to, governmental corporations. (Civil Service Law,
committed, the strike or lockout will still be valid. Sec. 28 (c))
Even if the allegations of unfair labor practice are 3.) Procedure – To be valid, the strike or lockout must comply
subsequently found out to be untrue, the presumption of with the procedural requirements set forth by law.
legality of the strike prevails. (Malayang Samahan vs.
Ramos, February 28, 2000) i. Notice of Strike or Lockout
Note: The “Good Faith Strike/Lockout” must still comply with A strike or lockout NOTICE shall be filed with the National
the notice requirements and other mandatory requirements Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB).
of holding a lawful strike. A claim of good faith is not a valid
excuse to dispense with the procedural steps for a lawful Q: What are the contents of a notice of strike or lockout?
strike. With the enactment of R.A. No. 6715, compliance with
the procedural requirements for the validity of a strike/lockout A: The notice shall state, among others, the names and
is now mandatory. (Grand Boulevard Hotel vs. Genuine addresses of the employer and the union involved, the
Labor Organization, July 18, 2003) nature of the industry to which the employer belongs, the
number of union members and of the workers in the
2.) Prohibition – For a strike to be valid, there should be no law bargaining unit, the date of the intended strike, the purpose
which prohibits such employees to hold a strike. of the strike, and such other relevant data as may facilitate
the settlement of the dispute, such as a brief statement or
Q: What are the only class of employees which are enumeration of all pending labor disputes involving the same
prohibited by law to stage a strike? parties.
A: The most important content of the notice is the Purpose ULP Strike/Lockout: If the issues raised are unfair labor
or the basis of the strike or lockout: practices, the NOTICE shall be filed with the NCMB at least
15 days before the intended date of the strike or lockout, or
In cases of bargaining deadlocks, the notice shall, as at least.
far as practicable, further state the unresolved
issues in the bargaining negotiations and be Exception:
accompanied by the written proposals of the union, Union Busting- In cases of dismissal from employment of
the counter-proposals of the employer and the proof union officers duly elected in accordance with the union
of a request for conference to settle the differences. constitution and by-laws, which may constitute UNION
BUSTING where the existence of the union is threatened,
In cases of unfair labor practice, the notice shall, as the 15-day cooling-off period shall not apply and the union
far as practicable, state the acts complained of and may take action immediately after the strike vote is
the efforts taken to resolve the dispute amicably. conducted and the result thereof submitted to the
Department of Labor and Employment.
Reason: To determine the proper cooling-off period. The
union is required to observe cooling off period, as a matter of Q: What will happen during the Cooling Off Period?
procedure, and thecooling off period will depend upon the
declared purpose of strike. A: The cooling off period is for possible resolution of
dispute/s through mediation and conciliation.
ii. Cooling Off Period
Q: What is the Conversion Doctrine?
Q: What are the different cooling off periods?
A: This is when the notice of strike is amended, as to the
A: For bargaining deadlock - 30 days; For ULP - 15 days. ground of strike, i.e. from bargaining deadlock to Union
Busting/ ULP.
Q: When should the notice of strike or lockout be filed?
Note: This will affect the cooling off period.
A: It depends upon the purpose of the strike or lockout,
which may either be economic or ULP. iii. Notice of Strike Vote
Economic Strike/Lockout: If the issue involves bargaining A: A notice of strike vote must be sent to the NCMB 24
deadlock, the NOTICE shall be filed with the National hours prior to the meeting or referendum.
A: A decision to declare a strike must be approved by a A: Yes. No strike or lockout shall be declared after
majority of the total union membership in the bargaining unit certification or submission of the dispute to compulsory or
concerned, obtained by secret ballot in a meeting called for voluntary arbitration, nor may a strike or lockout be declared
that purpose. (Art 263(f), Labor Code) during the pendency of cases involving the same grounds for
the strike or lockout. Hence, no strike or lockout shall be
v. Notice of Strike Vote Result declared after assumption of jurisdiction by the President or
the Secretary, or while the case is pending in arbitration,
A: The results of the strike (or lockout) vote should be whether compulsory or voluntary.
reported to the NCMB at least 7 days before the intended
strike or lockout, subject to the cooling off period. Q: When is the earliest time that the strike can begin?
Q: When does the seven (7) day strike ban start? A: There are 2 schools of thought on this matter:
A: The seven-day strike ban starts from the day after the i. Azucena View: Seven days after the the cooling-off period
results of the strike vote is submitted to the DOLE.
This is supported by the an NCMB Primer indicating that the
A deficiency of one-day from the mandatory seven-day strike 7-day reporting period and the cooling-off period must run
ban is a fatal defect which renders the strike illegal. Strict separately and must be counted separately. In other words,
adherence to the mandate of the law is required as the seven days are in addition to the 15 or 30 days cooling
substantial compliance with a mandatory provision will not off period. (Annotation from Azucena)
suffice. (CCBPI Postmix Workers Union vs. NLRC,
November 27, 1998) ii. Other View: The day after the end of the cooling-off period
In computing a period for the seven-day strike ban, the first The law is silent on whether or not the 7-day strike ban can
day shall be excluded and the last day included. (PNOC happen within the 15 or 30-day cooling off period. Granted
Dockyard and Engineering Corporation vs. NLRC, 291 that the two are separate requirements, a strike may begin
SCRA 231, 1998) immediately after the cooling-off period so long as the
mandatory 7-day reporting period has already been complied
with.
(Note: Atty. Javier suggests that as early as now, each of us must take our
position on the matter so as to equip us in answering a bar exam question
related to this.)
Q: What are the prohibited activities during a strike or Q: Is the remedy of Injunction available in cases of
lockout? strikes/lockouts?
A: Art. 279 (e) of the labor states that: A: General Rule: Injunction is not allowed.
“No person engaged in picketing shall commit any act of
violence, coercion or intimidation or obstruct the free ingress Exception: When the industry in issue involves national
to or egress from the employer’s premises for lawful interest, the Secretary of Labor may assume jurisdiction or
purposes, or obstruct public thoroughfares.” certify the matter to the NLRC. Once jurisdiction is assumed
or certified, it is automatic that there is a return to work/
If the picket, although peaceful and moving, effectively status quo order.
blocked the entry and exit points, then the picket constitutes
illegal obstruction, thus making the strike illegal. Q: If the employees did not follow the return-to-work
order of the Secretary of Labor and Employment, is it an
Q: What are the consequences of committing prohibited illegal act or an illegal strike?
acts during a strike or lockout?
A: Jurisprudence states that failure to follow a return-to-work
A: The commission of prohibited acts will make such strike order renders a strike as an illegal strike. Thus, even if
or lockout illegal. officers return to work, but they failed to convince their
member to return to work, the officers may still be validly
Note: In deciding whether a prohibited act is committed, dismissed.
check the entirety of the circumstances and determine if it is
an isolated case or not. If it is an isolated case, only the Note: This may still be a case-to-case basis.
person/s who committed the illegal act should be held liable.
The very nature of a return-to-work order issued in a certified
Q: What are the liabilities of the workers who case lends itself to no other construction. The certification
participated in the commission of prohibited acts? attests to the urgencyof the matter, affecting as it does an
industry indispensable to the national interest. The order is
A: 1.) Union Officer – Termination of Employment status if: issued in the exercise of the court’s compulsory power of
a.) He knowingly participates in an illegal strike; or arbitration, and therefore must be obeyed until set aside.
b.) He knowingly participates in the commission of (Manila Hotel vs. Manila Hotel, 517 SCRA 349 (2007))
illegal activities.
A: General Rule: (Art. 82) The provisions of this Title shall apply to 6. Workers who are paid by results as determined by the Secretary
employees in all establishments and undertakings whether for profit of Labor in appropriate regulations.
or not, but not to: a. They are paid by results and not on the basis of the time
spent in working, such as those being paid straight
1. Managerial employees, including managerial staff wages by the hour, day, week, or month.
a. Managers – those that can lay down company policies; b. No OT pay because they are paid by results.
direct at least two people
b. Managerial staff – ex. supervisors, or those that can I. Hours of Work
effectively recommend policies; the clerical work that
they perform must not exceed 20% of their work time Q: How many hours of work should the employee work?
2. Government employees – governed by the Civil Service rules A: General Rule: 8 hours is the maximum, and not the minimum
and regulations, particularly this Title on employment conditions.
They cannot claim benefits under the LC. Exception: (Art. 89) An employee may be required by the employer
to perform overtime work in any of the following cases:
Exception: Government employees in GOCC with their own
charters
a. When the country is at war or when any other national or
local emergency has been declared by the National
Assembly or the Chief Executive;
25 | JD-MBA, FEU-DLSU Consortium
Labor Law Review under Atty. Filemon Ray L. Javier
LABOR LAW REVIEW FINAL EXAM REVIEWER
_____________________________________________
b. When it is necessary to prevent loss of life or property or Q: What is Compressed Work Week?
in case of imminent danger to public safety due to an
actual or impending emergency in the locality caused by A:
serious accidents, fire, flood, typhoon, earthquake, Under the Labor Code, the employer is allowed to compel
epidemic, or other disaster or calamity; employee to work for 6 days a week. After 6 consecutive
c. When there is urgent work to be performed on workdays, the employer is required to give his employees a rest
machines, installations, or equipment, in order to avoid day.
serious loss or damage to the employer or some other o Rest day is 24 hours after the 6 days of consecutive
cause of similar nature; work.
d. When the work is necessary to prevent loss or damage o It is required by law.
to perishable goods; and o The rest day is important because if you work on a rest
e. Where the completion or continuation of the work started day there is a premium.
before the eighth hour is necessary to prevent serious o There are instances when employer says that workweek
obstruction or prejudice to the business or operations of is 5 days. In this case, the rest day would depend on the
the employer. stipulation on the contract.
Any employee required to render overtime work under this Notwithstanding the rule, the employer and the employee can
Article shall be paid the additional compensation required in agree to compress the workweek. The employer is required to
this Chapter. get consent of majority of employees to compress workweek for
all. (ex. 51 of 100 employees)
It is a violation of employee’s duty if he does not go to work under
these circumstances, there will be a willful violation of the law. But, Under this scheme, the number of workdays is reduced but the
termination is a last recourse. number of work hours in a day is increased to more than 8
hours, but no overtime pay may be claimed. Thus, under the
In addition to the instances mentioned in Article 89, the Rules CWW the normal workweek is reduced to less than six days but
Implementing the Labor Code authorizes compulsory overtime when the total number of normal work hours per week shall remain at
it is necessary “to avail of favorable weather or environmental 48 hours.
conditions where performance or quality of work is dependent o ex. 8 hours / 5 days = 1.6 hr/day
thereon.” Employer can add 1.6 hours a day to Monday
until Friday.
If an employee renders work of more than 8 hours, he is entitled to o It can be any arrangement as long as one workday does
25% on normal day, and 30% on rest day and holiday. not exceed 12 hours, and total for the week is 48 hours.
Time spent on preliminary activities is compensable when: Meal Period Compensable/Not compensable
The employer requires you to be there; and Full 60 minutes Non-compensable
It is for the benefit of the employer
59 minutes- 20 minutes Compensable
Waiting Time Below 20 minutes Compensable and in violation of
the LC
If you are waiting to be engaged by the employer, then the time
spent waiting is not compensable. If you are engaged to wait by the
employer, then the time spent is compensable.
Attendance in Lectures, Meetings, Trainings or Programs On holidays, the computation depends on when you rendered your
rest day.
Rule: Attendance in lectures, meeting, trainings or programs is
COMPENSABLE Night Shift Differential
It is NOT COMPENSABLE when: General Rule: Employer shall pay 10% premium on work done from
o Done outside working hours; 10PM to 6AM.
o Voluntary; and
o No productive work done Exceptions: Those listed in Article 82
General Rule: It is the prerogative of the employer to determine when The law requires the employer to give 5 rest days to the employees
the rest day is. provided that such employees have rendered at least one year of
service.
Exception: When employee has religious grounds to request for rest
day. Note: Sick Leaves and Vacation Leaves are not required by law.
Exception to Exception: If the employer’s business will suffer People NOT ENTITLED to SIL:
because of it, they have to compromise on half-half basis. Those listed in Article 82
ex. Employee can’t attend on Wednesdays. So, the Those already enjoying the benefit
compromise will be that on some Wednesdays, employee Those enjoying vacation leaves of at least 5 days
can go to work, but not compelled to work on some rest Those employed in establishments regularly employing less
days. than 10 employees
If you work on your rest day, there is a 30% premium paid which is
counted from first hour.
28 | JD-MBA, FEU-DLSU Consortium
Labor Law Review under Atty. Filemon Ray L. Javier
LABOR LAW REVIEW FINAL EXAM REVIEWER
_____________________________________________
Prescriptive period for money claims is 3 years counted from time of charge, then he has to integrate it into the employees’ wages. This
separation from work. The claim is based on your last pay, which is amount is based on the average amount being received for the last
carried over each year. three months.
ex. If you aren’t paid salary in 2000, you can only claim it until
2003. After which, the action prescribes. IV. Overtime (OT)
In claiming SIL, the prescriptive period will begin to run only from the Employers are required to give their employees 25% premium for
time you resigned and separated from employment. overtime work. (Art. 89, Labor Code)
SIL accrues from the moment of termination or resignation. You
have 4 years from termination or resignation to claim. General Rule: Overtime work is voluntary
Illegal dismissal prescribes in 4 years. Exception: Article 89 of the Labor Code (Emergency overtime work)
The Service Incentive Leave is convertible to cash. But, if the Any employee may be required by the employer to perform overtime
employer already gives a minimum of five days as a benefit, the work in any of the following cases:
employee is no longer entitled to the benefits of the Service Incentive
Leave. 1. When the country is at war or when any other national or
local emergency has been declared by the National
III. Service Charges Assembly or the Chief Executive;
2. When it is necessary to prevent loss of life or property or in
Coverage case of imminent danger to public safety due to an actual or
impending emergency in the locality caused by serious
Companies collecting service charges accidents, fire, flood, typhoon, earthquake, epidemic, or
Employees, regardless of their positions, designations or other disaster or calamity;
employment status and irrespective of the method by which 3. When there is urgent work to be performed on machines,
their wages are paid installations, or equipment, in order to avoid serious loss or
o Exception: Managerial employees damage to the employer or some other cause of similar
Service charge is divided among employees of which, 85% will go to nature;
employees, and 15% will go to management. 4. When the work is necessary to prevent loss or damage to
perishable goods; and
2010 Bar Question: Restaurant A has a service charge of 10%. As a 5. Where the completion or continuation of the work started
matter of practice, 85% of it goes to the employees and 15% to the before the eighth hour is necessary to prevent serious
employers. Later on, Restaurant B came up without service charge obstruction or prejudice to the business or operations of the
and effectively attracted A’s customers. A removed the service employer.
charge, and after which their employees filed a case. Can A remove
the service charge? Anti-offset Rule: Over-time work on any particular day shall not be
offset by overtime on any other day.
Answer: Yes, but A has to integrate that average amount into the If the offsetting is on the same day, then it is allowed.
salary of the employees. If the employer withdraws the service
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Q: If the regular working hours is from 8AM to 5PM and you List of Holidays
worked from 9AM to 6PM, can you collect OT pay?
A: No. The employee is not entitled to overtime pay because what is Regular Holidays
counted is the 8 working hours that was rendered for the day. New Year’s Day January 1
Maundy Thursday Movable Date
V. Holiday
Good Friday Movable Date
Situation Rate Eidul Fitr Movable Date
Did not work on regular holiday 100% Araw ng Kagitingan (Bataan and April 9
Worked on regular holiday 200% Corregidor Day)
Worked on special holiday 230% Labor Day May 1
Independence Day June 12
Example: If Labor day is on Tuesday, and you are absent without
National Heroes Day Last Sunday of August
leave on the next preceding day before the holiday (Monday), then
you are not entitled holiday pay on Tuesday. Bonifacio Day November 30
Christmas Day December 25
Rizal Day December 30
Q: What if there are two holidays falling on the same day? How Nationwide Special Holidays
much will be the premium rate of an employee who does not
work? All Saints Day November 1
Last Day of the Year December 31
A: The premium rate is 200%.
Note: Read D.O. 147-15: Amending the Implementing Rules and
Q: How about the employee who worked? Regulations of Book VI of the Labor Code of the Philippines, as
Amended.
A: Based on the IRR, it is 300% premium rate.
Q: Who are entitled to these benefits and what are the benefits (b) Spouses who devote full time to managing the household and
given? family affairs, unless they are also engaged in other vocation or
employment which is subject to mandatory coverage, may be
A: covered by the SSS on a voluntary basis.
Section 2. Mandatory Coverage of Employers. Coverage c. Employees of an employer who is granted a waiver or
under the Fund shall be mandatory for the following: suspension of coverage by the Fund under R.A. 9679.
a. Employers of employees compulsorily covered by the d. Leaders and members of religious groups;
SSS. These shall include private employers previously e. A member separated from employment, local or abroad,
granted waiver or suspension of coverage for whatever or ceased to be self-employed, but would like to continue
reason under Presidential Decree 1752, as amended. paying his or her personal contribution. Such member may
Provided, that manning agencies together with the foreign be a pensioner, investor, or any other individual with passive
ship owners shall be considered jointly and severally as the income or allowances.
employers of Filipino Seafarers. Provided finally, that a self-
employed person subject to compulsory coverage by the f. Public officials or employees who are not covered by the
SSS shall be treated by the Fund as both employee and GSIS, such as Barangay Officials, including Barangay
employer at the same time. Chairmen, Barangay Council Members, Chairmen of
Sangguniang Kabataan, and Barangay Secretaries and
b. Employers of employees subject of mandatory coverage Treasurers.
by the GSIS.
g. Such other earning groups as may be determined by the
c. The Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Bureau of Fire Board by rules and regulations.
Protection, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology,
and the Philippine National Police. Provided, that any foreign government, international
organization or their wholly-owned instrumentality employing
Section 3. Voluntary Coverage. Persons who are at least workers in the Philippines or employing Filipinos outside of
eighteen (18) years old but not more than sixty five (65) years the Philippines, may enter into an agreement with the Fund
old and are not subject to mandatory coverage may be covered for the inclusion of their employees as members of the Fund;
by the Fund on a voluntary basis, subject to such terms and Provided, further, that the terms of such agreement shall
conditions stated in these Rules or as the Board may impose, conform with the provisions of R.A. 9679 and these Rules on
and shall include, but not limited to, the following: coverage and amount of payment of contributions and
benefits; Provided, finally, that the provisions of the said Act
shall be supplementary to any such agreement.
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Section 4. Effective Date of Mandatory and Voluntary VII. Wages
Membership and Coverage.Mandatory coverage of the
employer shall take effect on the first day of his business Q: Is the food given to the employee considered as a facility or
operation, and that of the employee on the date of his or her supplement?
employment: Provided, that for:
A: It depends. If it is for the benefit of the employee, then it is a
a. Employees and employers who are not subject of mandatory facility and should be added to his salary. If it is for the benefit of the
coverage prior to R.A. 9679 and these Rules, including the employer, it is a supplement and should not be added to the salary.
uniformed members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the
Bureau of Fire Protection, the Bureau of Jail Management and In a hotel and restaurant setting, the hotel receptionist is allowed to
Penology, and the Philippine National Police, and their bring her packed lunch so that the employee can still accommodate
respective employers, as well as Filipinos employed by foreign the guests. The Supreme Court ruled that the food given to the
based employers, mandatory coverage shall take effect on employee is considered as a supplement and cannot be added in the
January 1, 2010, unless a different date is set by the Board by counting of the salary because the intent is to the benefit of the
resolution; employer.
Q: What are the elements of the principle of non-diminution of c. There is also no violation of the rule against non-
benefits? diminution of benefits where the benefits had been granted
by the employer because of an erroneous application of the
A: law, and were subsequently withdrawn to correct the mistake
1
1. It must be a company practice in a long period of time. (Davao (Globe Mackay Cable, ibid).
Integrated Ports Stevedoring Services vs. Abarquez, et. al., 220
SCRA 197) Kasambahay Law (R.A. 10361 or Domestic Workers Act)
a. Long period of time is at least 3 years
b. To not be considered as a company practice, it must be Q: What is the wages stated by the law?
established that the benefit is only conditional.
2. It must be consistently and deliberately done. (Globe Mackay A:
Cable v. NLRC, 163 SCRA 71); and SEC 24. Minimum Wage. – The minimum wage of domestic
3. It must not be a product of erroneous interpretation or workers shall not be less than the following:
construction of a doubtful or difficult question of law (Globe
Mackay Cable v. NLRC, 163 SCRA 71) 1
De Guzman. “On the Dimunition of Employee Benefits” The Philippine Star. March 2,
2004. (http://www.philstar.com/business/241022/diminution-employee-benefits)
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a. Two thousand five hundred pesos (P2,500.00) a
month for those employed in the National Capital
Region (NCR);
b. (b) Two thousand pesos (P2,000.00) a month for
those employed in chartered cities and first class
municipalities; and
c. (c) One thousand five hundred pesos (P1,500.00) a
month for those employed in other municipalities.
Therefore, the Labor Code, together with its Implementing Rules, From the foregoing, it is apparent that, in order to validly terminate or
were enacted to afford such protection from abuses perpetrated by dismiss an employee, there are two aspects that must be complied
those other than the government. with: (1) the existence of just or authorized causes (substantive due
process); and (2) observance of due process in effectuating the
dismissal (procedural due process)
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A just or authorized cause is defined under the same Department 2. Willful Disobedience or Insubordination
Order, thus:
(a) There must be disobedience or insubordination;
“Section 4. Definition of Terms. The following terms as used in this (b) The disobedience or insubordination must be willful or
Rules, shall mean: intentional and characterized by a wrongful or perverse
attitude;
“(a)“Authorized Causes” refer to those instances enumerated under (c) The order violated must be reasonable, lawful, and
Articles 298 [Closure of Establishment and Reduction of Personnel] made known to the employee; and
and 299 [Disease as a Ground for Termination] of the Labor Code, (d) The order must pertain to the duties which he has been
as amended. These causes are brought about by the necessity and engaged to discharge.
exigencies of business, changing economic conditions and illness of
the employee. 3. Gross or Habitual Neglect of Duties
“(b)“Just Causes” refer to those instances enumerated under Article (a) There must be neglect of duty; and
297 [Termination by Employer] of the Labor Code, as amended. (b) The negligence must be both gross and habitual in
These are causes directly attributable to the fault or negligence of the character.
employee.
4. Fraud or Willful Breach of Trust
“x x x.”
(a) There must be an act, omission, or concealment;
Just Causes for Termination of Employment (b) The act, omission, or concealment involves a breach of
legal duty, trust, or confidence justly reposed;
Section 5.2 of the Department Order provides for the Just Causes for (c) It must committed against the employer or his/her
a valid termination of employment, including its respective requisites representative; and
in order be deemed a valid ground, thus: (d) It must be in connection with the employee's’ work.
(a) There must be misconduct; (a) There must be an act, omission, or concealment;
(b) The misconduct must be of such grave and aggravated (b) The act, omission, or concealment justifies the loss of
character; trust and confidence of the employer to the employee;
(c) It must relate to the performance of the employee’s (c) The employee concerned must be holding a position of
duties; and trust and confidence;
(d) There must be a showing that the employee becomes (d) The loss of trust and confidence should not be
unfit to continue working for the employer. simulated;
(e) It should not be used as a subterfuge for causes which
are improper, illegal, or unjustified; and
(f) It must be genuine and not a mere afterthought to justify
an earlier action taken in bad faith.
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6. Commission of a Crime or Offense 2. Redundancy
(a) There must be an act or omission punishable/prohibited (a) There must be superfluous positions or services of
by law; and employees;
(b) The act or omission was committed by the employee (b) The positions or services are in excess of what is
against the person of the employer, any immediate reasonable demanded by the actual requirements of the
member of his/her family, or his/her duly authorized enterprise to operate in an economical and efficient
representative. manner;
(c) There must be good faith in abolishing redundant
7. Analogous Causes positions;
(d) There must be fair and reasonable criteria in selecting
(a) There must be an act or omission similar to those the employees to be terminated; and
specified just causes; and (e) There must be an adequate proof of redundancy such
(b) The act or omission must be voluntary and/or willful on as, but not limited to, the new staffing pattern, feasibility
the part of the employees. studies/proposal, on the viability of the newly created
positions, job description and the approval by the
In addition to the last cause, no act or omission shall be considered management of the restructuring.
as analogous cause unless expressly specified in the company rules
and regulations or policies. 3. Retrenchment or Downsizing
Authorized Causes for Termination of Employment (a) The retrenchment must be reasonable necessary and
likely to prevent business losses;
1. Installation of Labor-Saving Devices (b) The losses, if already incurred, are not merely de
minimis, but substantial, serious, actual and real, or if
(a) There must be introduction of machinery, equipment or only expected, are reasonably imminent;
other devices; (c) The expected or actual losses must be proved by
(b) The introduction must be done in good faith; sufficient and convincing evidence;
(c) The purpose for such introduction must be valid, such as (d) The retrenchment must be in good faith for the
to save on costs, enhance efficiency, and other advancement of its interest and not to defeat or
justifiable economic reasons; circumvent the employee's right to security of tenure;
(d) There is no other option available to the employer than and
the introduction of machinery, equipment or device and (e) There must be fair and reasonable criteria in
the consequent termination of employment of those ascertaining who would be dismissed and who would be
affected thereby; and retained among the employees, such as status,
(e) There must be fair and reasonable criteria in selecting efficiency, seniority, physical fitness, age, and financial
employees to be terminated. hardship for certain workers.
Note that, for the three aforementioned causes, the rule of “Last-In,
First-Out” must be complied, unless the employee concerned
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volunteered to be separated or terminated from employment. The First, the employee concerned must be served an initial written
said rule simply provides that when there are two employees notice or “first written notice”. Such notice must contain the following,
occupying the same position in the company are affected by a thus:
retrenchment program, the last one employed will necessarily be the
first to be separated from employment (Maya Farms v. NLRC, G.R. (a) The specific cause or ground for termination and company
106256, 28 December 1994). policies, if any;
(b) Detailed narration of the facts and circumstances that will
4. Closure or Cessation of Operation serve as the basis for the charge against the employee.
Such narration must be written with specificity. A general
(a) There must be a decision to close or cease operation of description of the charge will not suffice; and
the enterprise by management; (c) A directive that the employee is given opportunity to submit a
(b) The decision was made in good faith; and written explanation within a reasonable period.
(c) There is no other option available to the employer except
to close or cease operations. For a period to be reasonable, it must be sufficient enough to give
the employee an opportunity to study the accusation, consult, or be
5. Disease represented by a lawyer or union officer, gather data and evidence,
and decide on the defenses against the complaint. Normally, a five-
(a) The employee must be suffering from any disease; day period to be counted from receipt of the notice is deemed
(b) The continued employment of the employee is prohibited sufficient.
by law or prejudicial to his/her health as well as to the
health of his/her co-employees; and Second, after the initial or first notice is delivered, the employee must
(c) There must be certification by a competent public health be afforded the opportunity to be heard and to defend himself/herself
authority that the disease is incurable within a period of with the assistance of a representative, if so desired. Such
six (6) months even with proper medical treatment. opportunity to be heard refers to the right of an employee to answer
the charges against him/her and to submit relevant evidence in
Other Causes for Termination of Employment support of such his/her answer, whether in a hearing, conference, or
some other fair, just, and reasonable way.
1. Use of Dangerous Drugs
2. Abandonment Formal hearings or conferences are not mandatory, except when (1)
3. Provisions of a Collective Bargaining Agreement requested by the employee concerned in writing; (2) if substantial
evidentiary disputes exist; (3) if a company rule or practice requires
Due Process of Termination of Employment it, or (4) when similar circumstances justify the same.
1. If based on a Just Cause Third, if the just cause for termination is later on found to be justified,
the employer must serve the employee a second written notice or a
To effect a valid termination based on the existence of a Just Cause, notice of termination, which notice must contain the following, thus:
the following procedural due process must be observed, thus: (1) all the circumstances involving the charges against the employee
have been considered and that (2) the grounds have been
established to justify the severance of their employment.
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Receipt of notice must be either personal or, in the alternative, Separation Pay
delivered to the employee’s last known address.
Cause Amount of Additional Notes
2. If based on an Authorized Cause
Separation Pay
To effect a valid termination based on the existence of an Authorized
Installation of Labor- At least one (1) A fraction of six (6)
Cause, the following procedural due process must be observed,
Saving Devices month pay for every months is considered
thus:
year of service. one (1) year.
First, a written notice must be served to the employee concerned. Retrenchment At least one-half (½) A fraction of six (6)
The specific contents of the notice depend on the authorized cause
month pay or one (1) months is considered
forming the basis of the dismissal.
month pay for every one (1) year.
year of service,
Second, a written notice must be served to the Regional Office of the
whichever is higher.
Department of Labor and Employment having jurisdiction over the
establishment or business. Such notice must comply with a specific Closure or Cessation At least one-half (½) If the closure is due
form provided by the Department, including a specification of the of Business month pay or one (1) to serious business
ground(s) for termination. The notice may be sent at any time, as Operations month pay for every losses or financial
long as it is at least thirty (30) days before the effectivity of the year of service, reverses, there shall
termination. whichever is higher. be no separation pay.
Common Principles applicable to Substantive and Procedural A fraction of six (6)
Due Process and Causes for Termination months is considered
one (1) year.
An employee suffering from HIV or Hepatitis B, or even simply
perceived or suspected to be, cannot be validly terminated by reason Disease At least one-half (½) A fraction of six (6)
thereof. month pay or one (1) months is considered
month pay for every one (1) year.
An employee suffering from Tuberculosis shall be entitled to his/her year of service,
continued employment if it can be certified by a company-accredited whichever is higher.
health provider that he/she is medically fit to work. Such employee
must be restored to work as soon as his/her condition becomes
controllable. Note that for termination based on just causes, company policy or
the provisions of a Collective Bargaining Agreement, if any, shall
govern. Absent such, there shall be no separation pay.
Q: Can the Labor Code be applied over OFW’s contracts? To determine the applicable wage rates of workers in certain
establishments based on the number of workers (e.g. in NCR, retail
A: Yes. The Labor Code, its implementing rules and regulations, and service establishments employing 15 workers of less or
other laws affecting labor applies to overseas employment contracts manufacturing establishments employing less than 10 workers) the
following the rule of Lex Loci Contractus. (Sameer Overseas total number of workers should include not only the workers of the
Placement Agency Inc. v. Cabiles, G.R. No. 170139, August 5, 2014) principal or user enterprise, but also the workers of the contractors
and subcontractors deployed therein, regardless of their position,
Q: May OFW employment contract in general be terminated designation or status of employment and irrespective of the method
even without just cause? by which their wages are paid.
A: Yes. Overseas Contract Filipino Workers may be terminated even In the determination of the proper classification of the industry (e.g.
without cause as long as it is stipulated and employment is with non-agriculture or agriculture) for purposes of the applicable
principal foreign employer. minimum wage rates, the nature of work performed by the
contractor’s workers in the premises of the principal shall be
Termination or cancellation clauses such as that subject of the case controlling.
at bar are legitimate if exercised in good faith. The facts of said case
likewise involved a termination or cancellation clause that clearly 2. Presumption on labor-only contracting
provided for two ways of terminating the contract, i.e. with or without
cause. The utilization of one mode will not preclude the use of the Q: Does the law presumes Labor-Only Contracting?
other. The finding that the termination of the contract was for cause
is immaterial. When petitioner terminated the contract without cause, A: Yes. Labor law presumes labor-only contracting because the
it was required only to give a 30-day prior written notice, which it did. burden is on the contractor to prove that it has substantial capital
(Petrophil Corporation v. CA, G.R. No. 122796, December 10, 2001) and/or existence of investment in the form of tools, equipment,
machineries, work premises, and other materials which are
II. Legal Interest rate for OFWs necessary in the conduct of the business.
Q: What is the legal interest rate that should be given to an OFW B. License of Contractor
that is unlawfully terminated? What law should be followed?
Section 10 of R.A.8042 or BSP Circular No. 799 June 21, 2013? Q: Does the license issued by DOLE to contractor presume
legitimacy?
A: 12% is the rate to be applied for OFW as stated in R.A. 8042
because the circular is not applicable to cases where that law A: No. The registration with DOLE will not give the presumption of
already stated the legal interest. The BSP Circular cannot repeal a legitimacy. It will just prevent the presumption of labor-only
law; only a law can only repeal a law. contracting from arising. As labor-only contracting is presumed,
having a license will just erase such presumption.
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Q: Are BPO personnel project-based employees?
C. Cash Bonds for loss or damage
A: Yes. BPO personnel are project-based employees. Therefore,
General Rule: Bonds for loss or damage is not allowed. when the US-Based client terminated its service contract, their
Exception: If there’s a policy, and the following are present: employment was legally terminated. Their positions were project-
based and as such is co-terminus with the project considering
1. Allowed by DOLE - The making of deductions from the that: (a) they were hired to carry out a specific undertaking, i.e., the
salaries is authorized by law, or regulations issued by the Alltel Project; and (b) the duration and scope of such project were
Secretary of Labor. made known to them at the time of their engagement, i.e., "co-
● i.e. Security guard agencies terminus with the project.” This caveat sufficiently apprised
2. Industry practice - The posting of cash bonds should be petitioners that their security of tenure with Sykes Asia would only
proven as a recognized practice in business, or seek for the last as long as the Alltel Project was subsisting. (Gadia et al v. Sykes
determination by the Secretary of Labor through the Asia Inc., G.R. No. 20499, January 28, 2015)
issuance of appropriate rules and regulations that the policy
the former seeks to implement is necessary or desirable in B. Probationary Employee
the conduct of business. (Bluer than Blue Joint Ventures v.
Esteban, G.R. No. 192582, April 7, 2014) General Rule: Probationary employee must be informed by the
employer of the reasonable standards for regularization at the time of
Note: this is different from training bond, wherein the person cannot the engagement.
resign for certain period. Training bond is valid if: 1) it is
proportionate with the training period, or 2) if the bond is the actual Exceptions:
expense. Only actual cost may be deducted. 1. When the job is SELF-DESCRIPTIVE in nature. (Abbott
Laboratories v. Alcaraz, G.R. No. 192571, July 23, 2013)
Q: Is training bond allowed in the BPO companies? This means that the employer cannot positively explain to
make it simple.
A: Yes, if it is only for the purpose of insuring the properties of the
company. If the bond's purpose is securing the employee’s stay, i.e. Q: What are those jobs?
if the employee resigns or leaves his employment the bond shall be 1. Maids
forfeited, then this is not allowed. 2. Cooks
3. Drivers
Q: If the employee was ignorant about the company policy, may 4. Messengers
he be punished for violating the same? 5. Lawyers
6. Artists
A: No. He must be aware of such policies. The rule of dura lex sed 7. Journalists
lex applies for laws and not for company/labor policy.
2. When the reasonable standard is BASIC KNOWLEDGE. In
IV. Kinds of Employment Carvajal v. Luzon Development Bank, it was held:
A. Project Employee
“In fine, an employee’s failure to meet sales or work quotas falls VI. Management Prerogative
under the concept of gross inefficiency, which in turn is analogous to
gross neglect of duty that is a just cause for dismissal under Article Q: Is it legal for employers, without stipulation or prohibition
282 of the Code. However, in order for the quota imposed to be with the CBA, to outsource jobs held by union members?
considered a valid productivity standard and thereby validate a
dismissal, management’s prerogative of fixing the quota must be A: Yes. It is legal for employers to outsource jobs held by union
exercised in good faith for the advancement of its interest. x x x” members as long as it is not limited by the CBA and the works or
(Armando Aliling v. Jose Feliciano, Manuel San Mateo, and Wide services are not directly related or not integral to the main business
Wide World Express, G.R. No. 185829, April 25, 2012) or operation of the principal. (BPI Employees Union - Davao City v.
BPI, G.R. No. 174912, July 24, 2013)
Q: May a peaceful and moving picket be declared illegal Q: May the assumption of jurisdiction power be exercised even
obstruction which makes the strike illegal? without actual negotiation deadlock?
A: Yes. If the peaceful and moving picket constitute illegal A: Yes, it can be exercised. It does not need existence of a
obstruction, that in effect it blocks the entrance and exit points of the deadlock. It is enough that controversy or “dispute” exists between
company premises, then it violates the law and therefore the strike the employer and the employee that is likely to cause strike in an
itself is illegal. industry indispensable to the national interest. (Tabangao Shell
Refinery Employees Association v. Pilipinas Shell, G.R. 170007,
Even if the picket was moving, it is still illegal obstruction when the April 7, 2014)
movement was in circles, very close to the gates, with the strikers in
a hand-to-shoulder formation without a break in their ranks, thus IX. Backwages
preventing non-striking workers and vehicles from coming in and
getting out. (Phimco Industries Inc. v. Phimco Industries Labor Q: May backwages be awarded to employees who are illegally
Association (PILA), G.R. 170830, August 11, 2010) dismissed because they joined a strike? Is the answer the same
if the strike is legal?
Note: When picketing is peaceful and moving but movement is in
circles, it is illegal obstruction. A: Yes. In both instances, the employees are not entitled to
backwages. Since there is no clear proof that union members
Q: Does the participation of a union officer need to be actually participated in the commission of illegal acts during the
individually identified to justify his or her dismissal? strike, they are not deemed to have lost their employment status as a
consequence of a declaration of illegality of the strike. (Abaria et al v.
A: Yes. Each of these union officers must be individually identified NLRC, G.R. 154113, December 7, 2011)
and the extent of his participation must be certain. (Fadriquelan et al
v. Monterey Foods Corporation, G.R. 178409 and 178434, June 8, X. Dismissal from Employment
2011)
Q: Is the redundancy valid if new hires replace the dismissed
Note: In addition to the requirement of knowingly consented and redundant employees?
participated in an illegal strike, a union officer must be Individually
identified and extent of participation established A: No. In STI Technology v. Mapua, it was held that if you hire new
employees to replace the redundant employees, there is an
assumption that there is still a need for them and the redundancy
exercise is invalid. (SPI Technologies v. Victoria Mapua, G.R. No.
191154, April 7, 2014)
Note: The only exception is when the employer can clearly show that
the circumstances have changed since the time the redundant
A: No. The office assistant cannot be terminated for disgraceful or A: Yes, the foreigner may file an illegal dismissal case before the
immoral conduct, because there is no legal impediment for her to NLRC. However if the complainant is not an employee but a
marry. It is not even immoral in this case. (Leus v. ST. Scholastica’s corporate officer, it is the regular courts and not the NLRC who has
College, G.R. No. 187226, January 28, 2015) jurisdiction over the subject matter of the case.
Q: Does the twin notice rule apply when the employee is A: Foreigners working in the Philippines must first secure a permit
terminated due to disease? from DOLE. A foreigner working here in the Philippines without first
securing an alien employment permit violates the law, and therefore
A: Yes, it is required. The Labor Code and the IRR are silent on this the courts must deny his prayer for relief. (WPP Marketing
matter. However, there is no reason why the twin-notice rule should Communications, Inc. v. Galera, G.R. No. 169207, March 25, 2010)
not apply in termination due to disease under Art. 284 of the Labor
Code. (Deoferio v. Intel Technologies Philippines, G.R. No. 202996,
June 18, 2014)