lcs

lesson 8

Basic Rights of Employees​

Knowing these rights is essential for protecting your welfare, negotiating better terms, and building a sustainable and successful career.​

fair compensation, non-discrimination, rest and time off, protection from exploitation

4 rights

fair compensation

means receiving a salary, wages, and benefits that are appropriate for the work you do, your qualifications, and the standard of living.​

legal minimum wage

This is the baseline pay legally mandated by the government (ex., the Department of Labor and Employment in the Philippines) that all covered employers must adhere to.​

benefits

Compensation goes beyond the basic salary. It includes benefits like holiday pay, sick leave, vacation leave, and social security coverage (ex. SSS, PhilHealth in the Philippines).​

value for work

Fair compensation also means being paid what you are worth in the market, commensurate with your job responsibilities, working hours (including overtime pay), and the economic value you bring to the company.

right to non-discrimination

guarantees that you will be treated equally in the workplace, regardless of personal characteristics that are irrelevant to your job performance

right to rest and time off

acknowledges that employees are not machines and require sufficient breaks for physical and mental recovery to maintain health and productivity.​

working hours

Labor laws set limits on the maximum number of working hours per day and per week to prevent burnout.​

breaks and rest periods

This includes mandated meal and rest breaks during the workday.​

leaves

Employees are entitled to various forms of leave, such as Service Incentive Leave (SIL), maternity/paternity leave, and sick leave/vacation leave. These are crucial for personal well-being, family needs, and preventing stress-related illnesses.​

service incentive leave

SIL

right to protection from exploitaton

is the core safeguard against any form of unfair treatment, abuse, or taking advantage of a worker's vulnerability.​

unsafe/hazardous conditions

Employers must provide a safe and healthy working environment, including appropriate safety gear and procedures.​

forced/unpaid labor

This means being protected from being forced to work against your will, or being coerced into performing unpaid work (ex. uncompensated "trial" periods or excessive, unpaid overtime).

harrassment and bullying

Protection extends to being free from physical, verbal, psychological, or sexual harassment and bullying in the workplace.​