MANILA, Philippines – European companies operating in the country announced they will be cutting their working days by 26 percent to cope with the continued slowdown in the global economy, the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) said yesterday.
“We do not want to lay off workers. We want to keep the people we trained. But we also want flexible hours in difficult times,” Henry Schumacher, ECCP executive vice president said.
An estimated 40,000 workers will be affected by the reduced workday scheme. ECCP has 400 member companies nationwide.
According to Schumacher, their member companies are looking at reducing the number of working days by 70 days to only 200 working days from the original 270 working days. He explained that the notable reduction in days might be a workable solution to the current global economic slowdown.
He said this method could help reduce the possibility of a retrenchment. The ECCP said the reduced working days would translate in workers’ pay cuts but it is better than completely losing their source of livelihood.
However, Schumacher said he is not certain if the savings from the initial trimming of the work day is enough to mitigate the effects of the global recession.
He noted that the 200 working days commitment is viable and can later be trimmed further with the approval of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) should the current situation worsens.
At the end of January, DOLE issued guidelines on the adoption of flexible work arrangements. Under the advisory, DOLE specifically mentioned that it will allow a shortened work week to be applied for six months under the reduction of workdays scheme.
The DOLE will also allow other schemes such as compressed workweeks, rotation of workers, forced leave, broken time schedule, and flexi-holidays schedule.
The DOLE also encouraged both the employer and the employees to look for alternative schemes under any agreement to cushion the impact on the loss of income for the employees.–Ma. Elisa P. Osorio, Philippine Star
September 18 –
International Equal Pay Day
“Increase wages now,
more than other cost items.
For widespread, practical equality!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO Constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar
to carry out the recommendations of the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry
against serious violations of protocols of
Forced Labour and Freedom of Association.
Accept the National Unity Government (NUG)
of Myanmar. Reject Military!
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October –
Monthly Observances:
Industry and Commerce Safety Month
National Statistics Month
Local Government Month
Consumer Welfare Month
Cooperative Month
National Quality and Productivity Improvement Month
National Health and Wellness Tourism Month
National Indigenous Peoples Month
Weekly Observances:
Week 1: Elderly Filipino Week
Week 2: National Health Education Week
Local Government Week
National Mental Health Week
October 17-23:
National Week for Overcoming Extreme Poverty
October 18 – 24:
United Nations Week
Last Week:
Nurses’ Week
Consumers’ Protection Week
Week of the 4th Sunday:
Barrio Farmers’ Week
Daily Observances:
First Monday (Oct 4): Universal Children’s Day i
n the Philippines
Oct 5: National Teachers’ Day
Oct 10: Local Government Day
Third Thursday (Oct 14): Conflict Resolution Day
Oct 21: Tenants’ Emancipation day
Oct 24: United Nations Day
Oct 29: National Indigenous People’s Thanksgiving Day
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