Labor Groups Slam Government's 4-Day Workweek Implementation
The formal implementation of a four-day workweek in government agencies and courts, which began on March 9, has sparked intense backlash from various labor organizations across the Philippines. These groups contend that this policy is not a genuine solution to the ongoing economic crisis and will instead create significant hardships for nearly one million job order (JO) and contract of service (COS) workers employed by the government.
Criticism from Labor Leaders
Santiago Dasmariñas Jr., president of the Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees, explained that JO and COS workers operate under a no work, no pay policy. Consequently, they will be disproportionately affected by the reduction in workdays, facing immediate income loss. As an alternative, Dasmariñas proposed the temporary removal of excise taxes on petroleum and value-added taxes on essential goods and services to alleviate economic pressures more effectively.
Concerns Over Worker Welfare
The Kilusang Mayo Uno, through its chair Jerome Adonis, also voiced strong opposition, warning that the new schedule could lead to double or triple the fatigue for employees. This is due to the possibility of extending daily work hours to up to 12 hours to compensate for the shortened week, potentially compromising health and productivity.
Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) has urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to certify a P200 wage hike as urgent and mandate the provision of an emergency cost-of-living allowance. They argue that such measures would offer more direct relief to workers struggling with inflation and rising costs.
Government Rationale and Policy Details
The implementation of this revised work setup follows Memorandum Circular No. 114, issued by President Marcos on March 6. The policy is designed as a strategic step to conserve oil consumption amid the global economic impacts of conflicts in the Middle East. By reducing operational days, the government aims to cut fuel usage and associated expenses in public sector operations.
However, labor groups remain skeptical, emphasizing that the policy overlooks the plight of vulnerable workers and fails to address broader economic issues. They call for more inclusive and sustainable solutions that prioritize worker welfare and economic stability.
