PCCI: Four-day workweek only feasible in certain sectors

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the country’s largest business organization, is backing the government’s move to adopt a four-day workweek scheme to conserve energy amid rising petroleum prices due to the Middle East conflict.

However, the PCCI said that “such an arrangement is only feasible for certain industry sectors.”

“For manufacturing and other industries with continuous and specific operational requirements, this setup may not be practical,” the group said in a statement on Wednesday.

“Factories with backlogs cannot simply stop production, as it may disrupt delivery of commitments,” it added. 

The PCCI said that some companies are already implementing compressed workweeks, where employees complete the standard 40 hours a week or 10 hours per day for four days, “ensuring they continue to receive full pay while maintaining productivity and shifting.”

The group, nonetheless, recognized the benefit of a four-day workweek, especially for the commuting public. 

“Employees working for four days instead of five could save roughly 20% on transportation costs," it said. 

“Similarly, those who drive to work would benefit from reduced fuel consumption, parking fees, and other travel-related expenses,” it added.

The PCCI also called on Congress to grant President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emergency powers to cushion the impact of price hikes on Filipino households and businesses.

The group also expressed its support for any government measures, “whether reducing excise tax, VAT, or other funding sources."

The PCCI said the private sector has already initiated conservation efforts, including carpooling, work-from-home arrangements, adjusting air-conditioning settings for efficiency, and investing in renewable energy such as solar. 

“These measures, combined with bulk purchasing and industry coordination, reflect our commitment to reducing fuel and energy consumption,” it said. — VBL, GMA Integrated News