Angara wants to amend Labor Code to solve unemployment, increase productivity

Sen. Edgardo Angara stressed yesterday the need to immediately amend certain provisions of the Labor Code to increase national productivity and employment.

The veteran lawmaker from Baler, Aurora province said it is imperative for the government to create a business environment that allows the local economy to be more competitive in the global market.

“With this, I am for the overhaul of the Labor Code so the country’s labor rules can adapt to the dramatic changes brought about by technological strides and outsourcing, and the challenges brought about by globalization on the work place,” Angara said.

He added the liberalization of international economic trade has led to the advent of a global economy that is fast becoming one integrated unit.

“As a result of better communication and transportation facilities, business opportunities abroad are now within closer reach of local business entities. However, these opportunities may be lost if the local economy fails to adjust and cope with the new demands of the international market,” said Angara, chairman of the Senate committee on finance.

Under Senate Bill 887, Angara proposed to amend the existing Labor Code to allow “compressed workweek or flextime arrangements” and revision of the doctrine against the elimination/diminution of benefits under certain conditions.

He also proposed the restructuring of the visitorial and enforcement power of the Labor secretary to allow for self-regulation, and exception from the night work prohibition on women such industries or establishments operating on a continuous 24-hour schedule.

“With these amendments, it is expected that businesses will become more efficient, competitive, and flexible in responding to client needs, and at the same time protect the interest of the workforce by providing for an enhanced work-life balance,” Angara said.

“The old standard of working eight hours a day for a working time of 40 hours a week is becoming obsolete. We now have 24 hour, seven day-a-week schedule, mostly employing hard-core of basic information technology skills, more women work at night and the bulk of overseas Filipino workers are now women. Some work at home with flexible schedules,” he added.

Angara said that the Labor Code can be “overhauled without sacrificing the lofty principles of just compensation and the human component of labor.” PNA