Household workers to enjoy more paid leaves – DOLE

Household workers or kasambahays are now entitled to more leave days, according to an order issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

According to a Thursday report on GMA News TV program "Quick Response Team", employers are obligated by law to grant household workers a seven-day "solo parent" leave and a 10 day "anti-violence against women" leave.

The DOLE order also provided employees suffering from an illness a paid "special leave", which had a two-week maximum.

"Halimbawa, 'yung sa gynceological disorder at nag-suffer ang kasambahay ng reproductive dito sa kanyang katawan, pwede siyang mag-avail ng special leave benefits," DOLE-Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC)-Region IV director Atty. Ma. Katrina Perida-Trayvilla explained.

An employer said she agreed with the order, adding that domestics deserved to be treated well.

"Like other employees din na sometimes, they need a break. Lalo na pag may emergency cases so deserve nilang magkaroon ng leave," employer Maricar Pacheo said.

DOLE also reminded employers to see to it that household workers were registered for SSS, HDMF (PAG-IBIG), and Philhealth benefits.

Employers who violated employment guidelines may be reported to the DOLE through 1349 hotline. — Margaret Claire Layug/DVM, GMA News