Luzon Stevedoring vs.Luzon Marine Department Union, G.R. No.

L-9265,
April 29, 1957
Facts: The seamen working for Luzon Stevedoring were asked to stay and
work in their tugboats or merely within its compound from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00
p.m or for 12 hours including Sundays and holidays. Luzon stevedoring
however in its computation of overtime pay deducted the 4 hour period
allotted for taking their meals. These seamen seek the payment of the meal
period deducted by Luzon Stevedoring in their compensation.
Issue: Whether or Not these seamen are entiled for compensation on these
4 hour meal periods.
Ruling: Yes, they are entitled to be compensated on the said meal period.
Claimants herein rendered services to the Company from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00
p.m. including Sundays and holidays, which implies either that said
laborers were not given any recess at all, or that they were not allowed to
leave the spot of their working place as this was an issue of facts, the
Supreme Court did not alter the decision of the Trial Judge.
The Supreme Court however explained this on the issue of idle time
or the 4 hour meal period in this case: As We understand this term, a
laborer need not leave the premises of the factory, shop or boat in
order that his period of rest shall not be counted, it being enough that
he "cease to work", may rest completely and leave or may leave at his
will the spot where he actually stays while working, to go somewhere
else, whether within or outside the premises of said factory, shop or
boat. If these requisites are complied with, the period of such rest
shall not be counted.