On Aug. 27, the House of Representatives paved the way for the possible implementation of a 4-day work week in the Philippines. It approved on third and final reading House Bill 6152 which sets the guidelines for reducing the number of work days for local companies.
According to CNN Philippines, the bill gives employees the option to go to work for 4 days but for a maximum of 10 hours in a day. The Labor Code requires workers to work for 40 to 48 hours in a week. Some employers and labor groups have already weighed in on the issue, saying that the proposal is not beneficial to companies and workers. Here is what is known so far about the proposal.
1. To Become A Law, The Senate Has To Propose Similar Legislation
While labor groups and companies debate on the bill’s advantages and disadvantages, it may take some time before it becomes law. The Senate has to pass their own version first. And this was done by Senator Joel Villanueva with Senate Bill 1571 on Aug. 30, called the Flexible Work Arrangements Bill. The first hearing about the bill will not be held until Sep. 13.
2. If It Becomes Law, Implementation Will Be Optional, Not Mandatory
According to Congressman Mark Go, the bill’s sponsor in the lower house, employers will not be forced to adjust their work week. They will still have a choice which is based on “business requirements and participation of the employees.” The Senate version offers more flexibility as the employer can choose to compress, implement flexi-time or flexible holidays schedules.
3. Paved With Good Intentions
Both proposed legislation offer the same reasons for its proposal: to boost productivity by providing employees with longer rest, as well as savings on time and money given the worsening traffic situation in urban centers like Metro Manila. The downside of the proposal however is longer hours spent to work up to 10 hours a day, which according to some labor groups is already beyond international standards.
4. One Size Does Not Fit All
Further studies need to be made especially by the labor department on which companies and what sector will work well with this new arrangement. For example, in the United States, most of the companies who are successful in this area are technology or technology-oriented companies and start-ups, who may have the advantage of doing things out of the box. This may however be a different story for more traditional businesses such as manufacturing.
5. Need To Weigh Against Other Proposed Working Arrangements
According to Business Mirror, the 4-day work week is not the only new proposal in the pipeline. Cong. Villafuerte and Sen. Villanueva filed their own versions of a “work-from-home” bill which covers telecommuting in selected local industries. This is also being considered as an alternative, offering one day in a week when employees can accomplish their tasks at home.