Labor and Employment Lawyer in Quezon City

Start with the employment relationship

An employment concern may involve duties, pay, benefits, workplace rules, disciplinary action, resignation, or termination. The written contract is a starting point, but the circumstances of the work and how policies were applied also matter.

For employees, a consultation can clarify the concern and the records needed to support it. For employers, early advice can help assess proposed policies or actions before implementation. The objective is to understand the respective rights and responsibilities and identify a lawful, workable response.

Examine both the reason and the procedure

A termination assessment requires looking at the applicable ground and the procedure followed. DOLE rules distinguish just causes related to an employee's conduct from authorized causes recognized by law. The requirements depend on the particular basis for the action; an allegation alone does not resolve the issue.

A notice to explain, investigation record, written response, termination notice, or resignation letter should be read in context. We can help assess the evidence, prepare a response, or review the proposed action. Preserve the records even where the workplace relationship has already ended.

Prepare the records that explain what happened

A short chronology helps make a first meeting useful. Include the start of employment, relevant changes in duties or pay, the events in dispute, and the dates when documents were received. Identify which facts you personally know and which require confirmation.

• Employment contracts, appointment papers, and job descriptions.
• Payslips, payroll records, attendance records, and benefit information.
• Company policies and relevant written communications.
• Notices, incident reports, explanations, and disciplinary records.
• Resignation, termination, clearance, or settlement documents.
• Any request for assistance, complaint, hearing notice, or decision.

Consider conciliation and the proper forum

The Single Entry Approach, or SEnA, provides conciliation-mediation for labor and employment concerns. NCMB guidance allows requests for assistance from workers and employers, among others. Where applicable, this process can provide an opportunity to discuss a voluntary resolution.

If the matter proceeds further, the appropriate office or tribunal depends on the claim and the applicable rules. We assess the issues, organize supporting records, and discuss settlement or representation. A proposed compromise should be understood before it is signed, including what it covers and how its obligations will be performed.