The Senate Bill Number 1571 or the Alternative Working Arrangement Bill passed the third reading of the Senate of the Philippines.
This proposed bill will provide flexible work arrangements for Filipino workers. The lawmakers pushing for this bill believe in modern times and technology, it is more helpful for Filipino workers and employers to adopt a flexible work scheme.
Third reading by the way simply means that only the title is read, no amendments are allowed. A vote shall be taken immediately thereafter and the yeas and nays entered in the journal.
Then, the bill is printed as finally approved by the Congress, authenticated with
the signatures of the Senate President or the Speaker and the Secretary and
approved or vetoed by the President.
What are the types of alternative working arrangements?
- Compressed Workweek – normal workweek is reduced to less than 6 days but the total number of work hours of 48 hours remain.
- Reduction of workdays – normal workdays per week are reduced but should not last for more than 6 months.
- Rotating of workers – employees are rotated or alternatively provided work within the workweek.
- Forced leave – employees are required to go on leave for several days or weeks utilizing their leave credits if there are any.
- Broken-time schedule – the work schedule in a day is not continuous but the work hours within the day or week remain.
- Flexi-holiday schedule – employees agree to avail the holidays at some other days provided
there is no diminution of existing benefits as a result of such an arrangement. - Gliding or Flexi-time schedule – employees are required to complete the core work hours in the establishment but are free to determine their arrival and departure time.
Does this measure have benefits to employers?
Yes, because
- It cuts operating costs such as electricity and water consumption.
- It saves on the cost of starting up and knocking off of machines or equipment in manufacturing, as well as on utilities.