DOLE assesses impact of 4-day workweek

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is looking at the possible impact of the proposed compressed 4-day workweek on employment.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello yesterday reported DOLE is meeting with labor and management to discuss the proposed measure.

Bello admitted DOLE is in favor of the proposed compressed workweek.

“We had a senior officials meeting and came up with a consensus. We are inclined to favor the proposed bill,” he said.

Bello noted the existing DOLE department orders providing for flexible work arrangements.

But he said DOLE would still meet with labor and management considering that the implementation of compressed workweek will affect the two sectors.

He said the final position of the DOLE on the proposed measure would be dependent on the position of labor and management.

The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR), however, expressed strong opposition to the proposed House Bill 6152 or the Compressed Work Week.

The CTUHR said the proposal is openly pro capitalists while posing detrimental effect on the health of workers. 

The group said compressed workweek will also encourage illegal company practices and force workers to work for 12 to 16 hours a day.

“This will further increase the competition amongst workers who face the risks of being underemployed or informally employed while providing ample window for capitalists to manage the workforce pushed to choose between temporary jobs with even lower wages or nothing,” the group added.

CTUHR urged the Senate to reject HB 6152 and instead provide workers with some degree of protection.