GMA, ‘Dato’ seek annual productivity bonus for workers in private sector

Camarines Sur Rep. Diosdado “Dato” Macapagal Arroyo and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo have initiated the institutionalization of the grant of an annual productivity incentive to all workers in the private sector under their HB 1218.

“We should not only promote investments and capital but also labor as a primary social economic force,” the Bicol lawmaker said.

The Arroyos noted that labor and management relations are currently characterized as “confrontational” when discussing and settling basic and significant issues affecting wages and benefits as well as conditions of work.

“As a result, the productivity expected both from labor and management suffers, thereby lessening their ability to compete and survive as one cohesive entity,” the Arroyos said.

The younger Arroyo pointed out that “it is ideal as it is realistic” that the success of any business enterprise largely depends on the atmosphere of cooperation and support between labor and management and vice versa.

“The granting of the Productivity Bonus for labor will not only serve as additional income but will also work as an incentive to promote greater productivity which will definitely benefit the business enterprise,” he added.

Through this bill, Arroyo said, the worker’s right to an improved life as well as management’s right to a reasonable return on their investment are both satisfied and as a result avoids gridlocks which are very counterproductive,” he said.

He also noted the current list of proposed incentives being considered by Congress for capitalists and investors should strike a balance between proportionate and just income-building mechanisms for the ordinary workers, especially in the private sector.

As a twin measure, the Arroyos have also filed HB 4606 which intends to protect workers and their families from the hazards of working in agricultural sites.

The Arroyos cited a study published by the Institute for Labor studies showing that pesticides popularly used in the Philippines have already been banned or severely restricted in other countries like the United States.

Filipino farmers, the Arroyos noted, do not have enough knowledge of the consequences of mishandling farm chemicals which make them and their families prone to the negative effects of such chemicals.

“Acute pesticide poisoning has been traced to unsafe practices in the handling, storing and disposal of pesticides. Our proposal seeks to address this by educating our farmers to be extra careful when dealing with such substances,” the younger Arroyo added. –Charlie V. Manalo, Daily Tribune