Retirement Age Reduced for Surface Mine Workers

Employees may retire at an age established in their collective bargaining agreement or employment contract.
Retirement benefits must comply with laws, collective agreements, or other agreements, with minimum standards provided.
In the absence of a retirement plan, compulsory retirement age is 65 for general employees, with retirement pay of at least ½ month salary per year of service.
Definition of ½ month salary includes 15 days' pay, 1/12 of 13th month pay, and up to 5 days of service incentive leave.

Compulsory retirement age for these workers is reduced from 60 to 50 years.
Must have at least 5 years of service as underground or surface mine workers to retire at 50.
Entitled to all retirement benefits provided under Article 302.
Surface mine workers include mill plant, electrical, mechanical, and tailings pond personnel only.

Retail, service, and agricultural establishments with 10 or fewer employees are exempt from these provisions.

Violations related to retirement provisions for mine workers are unlawful and subject to penalties under Article 302.

This law does not deprive employees of benefits under Social Security Law (RA 1161) or other laws, policies, or practices.

Article 302's numerical designation is adjusted in line with RA 10151 and Department of Labor standards.

Secretary of Labor and Employment to promulgate necessary rules within 30 days of the law's effectivity.
Coordination with the Social Security System President is mandated.

Section 12-B of RA 1161 is amended to align retirement age for underground and surface mine workers to 50 years.

Inconsistent laws, decrees, orders, and regulations are repealed or modified accordingly.

The Act takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a general circulation newspaper.