Dear PAO,

My cousin is a factory worker. According to him, they were still required to report for work since the company of their employer was listed in the essential services that may operate during the enhanced community quarantine. However, my cousin mentioned that their employer required them to purchase masks and face shields that they will use once they enter the company's premises. My cousin told me that he could not afford it because he is just a minimum wage earner. Are factory workers in private establishments mandated to shoulder the costs of their masks and face shields?

Jerry

Dear Jerry,

To answer your question, we shall refer to Labor Advisory No. 18, Series of 2020, which states that: