christmas-bonusTACLOBAN CITY, Dec. 1 (PNA) –- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Eastern Visayas has reminded business owners to release the 13th month pay to their workers before Christmas eve.

DOLE regional information officer Vince Doroja said all rank-and-file employees are entitled to the financial benefit regardless of the type of their employment, position, and designation.

The 13th month pay should not be less than the one-twelfth or 8.33 percent of the total basic salary earned by an employee this year, including all remunerations.

However, the benefit does not include cost of living allowances, profit-sharing payments, cash equivalent of unused vacation and sick leave credits, overtime pay, premium cialis generique professional pay, night shift differential, holiday pay and other allowances and monetary benefits which are not part of the regular salary of an employee.

“We appeal to our employers to make their workers happy by giving them their 13th month pay on or before Dec 24. This is a way to recognize their contribution for the success of your businesses or companies,” Doroja added.

The management is required to submit a report of compliance with the Labor department on or before Jan. 15 next year. Labor laws compliance officers will conduct an assessment in establishments that failed to submit the document.

“For employers who will fail to pay their workers the 13th month pay, they will be ordered to double the amount as a sanction,” Doroja added. (PNA) Yazmin Ellen C. Espina