Title
J. P. Heilbronn Co. vs. National Labor Union
Case
G.R. No. L-5121
Decision Date
Jan 30, 1953
Employees voluntarily absent for labor hearings are not entitled to wage reimbursement, as wages compensate work performed, not voluntary absences.
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Case Summary (G.R. No. L-5121)

Employer and Laborers: Pay During the Period of Strike

  • The fundamental principle governing the relationship between labor and management is the concept of "a fair day's wage for a fair day's labor."
  • Employees are not entitled to wages if they do not perform work, except in cases where they are unlawfully locked out, dismissed, or suspended.
  • It is deemed unjust for employees to engage in litigation against their employer while being compensated by the employer.

Absence from Work Due to Strike or Hearings

  • Employees who are absent from work due to participation in a strike or attendance at hearings may seek reimbursement from their union or charge their absence against vacation leave.
  • The case involves a dispute between the National Labor Union and J. P. Heilbronn Co., where union representatives attended hearings and sought reimbursement for lost wages.

Court Proceedings and Initial Rulings

  • The Secretary of Labor certified a dispute to the Court of Industrial Relations (CIR) regarding the National Labor Union and J. P. Heilbronn Co.
  • The CIR granted a motion for reimbursement of wages to union representatives Armando Ocampo and Protacio Ty for days they were absent while attending hearings.
  • The company opposed this motion, leading to an appeal after the CIR denied a petition for reconsideration.

Consistency with Previous Rulings

  • The CIR's decision contradicts its prior rulings regarding wage payments to employees who voluntarily absented themselves from work.
  • In previous cases, the CIR ruled that strikers are not entitled to wages for days not worked, emphasizing that wages are compensation for labor performed.

Legal Implications of Strikes and Absences

  • Even if a strike is deemed legal, employees cannot claim wages for days they did not work.
  • Employees attending hearings to establish claims against their employer should also forfeit pay for the duration of their absence.
  • The principle of "a fair day's wage for a fair day's labor" applies, reinforcing that no work performed equates to no wages owed.

Potential for Reimbursement from Union or Leave

  • Employees may seek reimbursement from their un...continue reading

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