Solon defends proposal for reduced work week

The House proponent of the bill seeking a 10-hour four-day weekend or the 10/4 bill defended his proposal amid criticisms of the measure being half-baked and “laughable.”

Rep Winston “Winnie” Castelo said he expressed regret over the description of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) of the proposed 10-hour, four-day work week as a “stupid idea,” saying TUCP leader Ernesto Herrera appeared to have probably overlooked the spirit and intent of his proposal.

In a statement, Castelo said he does not believe he differs much with Herrera, a former senator, when it comes to the economic upliftment of the lives of workers, adding he intends to explain fully the spirit and details at the proper forum, which includes the public hearing on House Bill 5237.

“I hold Senator Herrera in deep esteem. Over the years, I saw how he worked hard as a senator and labor leader to improve the condition of our workers,” Castelo said. “I intend to listen to the counsel of my elders, which include Senator Herrera.”

But Castelo argued that he made the proposal because of the inability to raise wages, while prices keep on going up.

“I was stunned by news reports that local prices of petroleum products, would increase twice a week. Also, LRT, MRT-2 and MRT-3 fares are slated to go up, while water rates will likely increase too,” Castelo said.

“If we cannot raise the workers’ wages, we have to lessen their expenditures when they report for work,” Castelo said.

Castelo said the current economic situation has been changing so fast, requiring creative, innovative, and nontraditional approaches.

“We should not stay in the box. My idea is to get out of the box, if possible,” Castelo said.

“In actuality, I favor wage increases. If we cannot push for 10/4, let’s have an across-the-board wage hikes for our workers,” Castelo said.

“But employers don’t like legislated wage hikes. Trade unions have not been pushing aggressively for wage hikes,” Castelo said.

“This is the reason why I have come forward with this 10/4 proposal,” Castelo said.

Government like ours that is faced with tight budget may do well to derive inspiration from the case of El Paso, Texas that derived $400,000 in annual savings through this scheme of four day work week since it saved a lot of money from lowered utility and fuel costs, Castelo said. –Ayen Infante, Daily Tribune