St. Luke's Medical Center (SLMC) has assured their health-care workers (HCWs) under its employ of proper compensation for the "important" work they're doing for the institution's Covid-19 response.

"SLMC continues to give benefits to its employees that are beyond what is required of them under the law, such as gratuity pay, free meals, free hospitalization, and accommodation for Covid-19 positive employees," a statement issued by the SLMC statement read.

The SMLC also said that they have already disbursed P41.7 million from the Department of Health's (DOH) Special Risk Allowance (SRA) for those serving Covid-19 patients as specified under the agency's guidelines, representing P23.8 million to its employees at the Global City in Taguig and P17.9 million to its employees in Quezon City.

On the other hand, SLMC Employees Association (SLMCEA) has clarified that there is "no dispute" between the union and management on the issue of benefits to HCWs.

"We are hoping that the DOH will release the funds for our special benefits pertaining to Meal, Accommodation and Transportation as provided in the Bayanihan Law," SLMCEA said in a separate statement.

The group added that are acknowledging their hospital's continued efforts to ensure that all employees will receive the benefits they are entitled to under the law.

"St. Luke's also continues to give other benefits not required under the law such as gratuity pay, free meals, free hospitalization, and accommodation for Covid-19-positive employees. On top of this, the union likewise provided fruit baskets and other financial assistance to all its members and even non-member frontliners," the group added.

In addition, they said that the hospital has continued to consistently disburse the SRA based on DOH guidelines.

"The SRA is a financial benefit for health-care workers taking care of Covid-19 patients. The maximum monthly allowance under this benefit is P 5,000," they added.

The SLMC also reassured that they stand behind their employees.

"Currently, there have been 2,277 employees from Global City and 2,115 employees from Quezon City who have received the SRA," SLMC said, vowing to continue to expeditiously grant all benefits that employees are receiving "during this challenging times."

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