Senate bill seeks research on viability of part-time employment

MANILA, Philippines – A bill pending at the Senate is mandating the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to conduct a five-year research on the viability of part-time employment as an alternative to retrenchment options for employers suffering business losses due to the global financial crisis.

Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago said Senate Bill 3559 seeks to cushion the effects of the worldwide economic recession on Filipino workers and business firms through a feasible employment practice that would work both for the employers and employees.

“The global financial crisis has led to many companies suffering serious business losses locally and abroad. As a result, many employees are laid off. Such employees then have a hard time immediately getting employment,” Santiago said.

“Without any immediate prospects, these employees, especially those who support their own families, are at a loss as to the source of their livelihood. Not only are their productivity wasted, but they end up joining the ranks of countless countrymen in poverty,” she said.

She added an option to maintain part-time employment while looking for new employment would go a long way in easing the impact of the global financial crisis while conserving the productivity of both the employer and the employee.

“By determining the best business practices and recommending the most optimal government support for both the employers and the employees concerned, we will be able to weather out the ongoing global financial crisis,” Santiago said.

The DOLE report must contain a study on part-time employment programs for employers seeking retrenchment to prevent losses, an analysis of the significant impediments to legislation and creation of such programs, a model part-time employment program for employers who are suffering business losses, and a listing of possible assistance the DOLE can extend to such employers.

Santiago said the report should also include recommendations for legislation as to how this option can be introduced in the Philippine labor system and such recommendations as the DOLE secretary determines appropriate. – Christina Mendez, Philippine Star