Labor Law and Social Legislation › Labor Standards › Wages (See also RA 6727 and 8188) › Principles

a. No Work, No Pay; Fair Day’s Wage for a Fair Day’s Work

No Work, No Pay

General Rule: If there is no work performed by the employee, there can be no wage or pay.

Exception: Unless the laborer was able, willing and ready to work but was illegally prevented by management from working, including through an illegal lockout, suspension, or dismissal [Azucena, citing Philippine Airlines v. NLRC, G.R. No. 55159 (1989)].

Fair Wage for Fair Work

General Rule: The age-old rule governing the relation between labor and capital or management and employee is that a "fair day's wage for a fair day's labor." It is hardly fair or just for an employee or laborer to fight or litigate against his employer on the employer's time [Sugue v. Triumph International, G.R. No. 164804 (2009)].

Exception: When the laborer was able, willing and ready to work but was illegally locked out, suspended or dismissed, or otherwise illegally prevented from working [Sugue v Triumph International, supra].