The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued a directive against the mandatory wearing of high-heeled footwear in the workplace, particularly for sales ladies working in malls and other large retail outlets in Tagbilaran City.
According to DOLE Bohol field officer Emmanuel Ferrer, the department called on local business owners to adhere to the order which took effect on September 11, 2017 nationwide covering women compelled to wear high heels in their places of work.
The new policy pertains to shoes which have heels that are over an inch in length, said Ferrer.
In addition, employees required to stand for long periods of time are allowed to take 15-minute “sitting breaks” every two hours.
Based on several studies, as pointed Bureau of Working Conditions, prolonged standing lead to several health issues, particularly when wearing high heels.
According to Ferrer, the DOLE office is open for complaints against employers who have not complied with the new policy.
However, Ferrer noted that since the directive’s implementation, business establishments including malls which have sales ladies have started to adhere to the order. (Allen Doydora)