Local business groups nix  proposed menstrual leave

CEBU, Philippines — Local business leaders in Cebu are calling on legislators to study the economic implications of the proposed measure filed by Gabriela Partylist seeking to grant a two-day paid menstrual leave to all women employees.

Kelie Ko, president of the Mandaue City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said an additional paid leave days in a year may no longer affordable for the employers.

“Another 24 paid leave days in a year may not be affordable to many employers, especially with too many uncertainties in the global economic landscape. There should also be checks and balances to prevent abuse as not all women have the same level of reproductive challenges,” Ko said.

He said that while they support policies that improve the working environment, especially the wellbeing of workers, the proposed bill should be studied well in terms of its economic implications.

Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Kenneth Co also hopes that lawmakers can enact proper safeguard measures while ensuring business competitiveness not only in the Philippines but internationally as well.

Co said that labor cost and productivity are vital in any industry.

“We do notice a few lady staff who gives menstrual cramps as reason for their absence. There are also companies who give more than the mandated 5 days sick leave. As far as I now, there are women who can work during their menstrual cycle,” Co added.

Businessman Philip Tan, who is one of the business representatives to the regional wage board, said that legislation should instead promote productivity to generate competitiveness and create jobs, adding that there have been too much holidays already in the country.

Gabriela Partylist Rep. Arlene Brosas has filed House Bill No.7758 or the proposed Menstrual Leave Act.  The proposed measure would effectively grant all women employees both in the private and public sectors a maximum of two days of fully paid menstrual leave every month. Brosas filed the proposed bill in celebration of the Women’s Month this March.

Former senator Ping Lacson criticized proposal because of its serious economic implications. Lacson said that granting paid menstrual leaves may result in layoffs and even closure of some factories.

Lacson was immediately branded by Partido Manggagawa as anti-women and pro-capitalist.

“Ping Lacson's statement is not only anti-women, it's pro-capitalist, too. Not unexpected from a misogynist with a need to prove his macho credentials," said PM Secretary-General Judy Ann Miranda.

She described Lacson's statement as thoughtless and careless.

Miranda said that Spain had already passed a law granting women workers paid menstrual leave for three days a month with the option to extend it to five days.

She said that studies reveal half of women experience dysmenorrhea for one or two days and for some severe pain hinders that their ability to work and function normally.          

“We are all too aware that capitalists have fought against benefits for women's reproductive rights and well-being since the dawn of the industrial revolution. And here comes Ping Lacson, a former legislator who has a lot of followers, ridiculing women's demand for menstrual leave, seemingly the 21st century spokesperson of capitalists against women's right to reproductive health and well-being," added Miranda. — FPL (FREEMAN)