THE Department of Health (DOH) warned the public on Thursday that the “No Vaccine, No Work” policy is firmly prohibited.
According to a DOH advisory, inoculation of COVID-19 vaccines may subject to employees’ desire and that it shall never be used to dictate their employment status.
“All employers may encourage their employees to get vaccinated. However, any employee who chooses not to get vaccinated or fails to get vaccinated shall not be discriminated against in terms of employment,” the DOH added, citing Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Advisory No. 03 Series of 2021.
The DOH has also emphasized that vaccine cards shall not be required for employment purposes, as enshrined in Republic Act 11525.
Last March 3, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said in an interview that the “No Vaccine, No Work” policy would be “tantamount to discrimination” and is considered illegal in nature.
He also reiterated that mandating the policy will face consequences and any employer who decides for its imposition will be charged with administrative penalties.