TARLAKENYO (November 25, 2024) — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued a reminder to all private sector employers: the 13th-month pay is mandatory and must be released by December 24th.
This benefit is for all rank-and-file employees, regardless of their position, how their wages are calculated, or employment status, as long as they worked for at least one month during the year. This includes piece-rate workers, those with fixed or guaranteed wages plus commission, employees with multiple employers, and even those who resigned, were terminated, or were on maternity leave.
The 13th-month pay should be at least 1/12 of the employee’s total basic salary earned within the calendar year. No exemptions or deferments will be allowed.
Employers are also required to report their compliance through the DOLE Establishment Report System by January 15, 2025. DOLE regional offices will be monitoring employer compliance with this important labor standard.
