DOLE suggests ‘flexi-time’ work hours to help ease traffic

In anticipation of the heavy traffic a major road construction project is expected to bring, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has encouraged government offices and private companies to consider implementing a flexible work time system.

 

The suggestion came with the scheduled construction of a double-deck skyway that will connect the North Luzon Expressway and the South Luzon Expressway.

Construction is expected to commence in April and the project will take around three years to complete.

 

The project is expected to cause heavy traffic along major roads including Osmeña Highway, Quirino Avenue, Nagtahan flyover, Aurora Blvd., Araneta Ave., Sgt. Rivera Road, and A. Bonifacio Ave. 

 

"Makakatulong ito dahil puwedeng ngang hindi sabay-sabay na 8:00 (a.m.), hindi sabay-sabay na 5:00 (p.m.) ang pasok at labasan ng mga empleyado" Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said in a phone patch interview aired on "24 Oras" Thursday evening.
 

Under DOLE's suggested flexible work time system, employees may choose from three work schemes:

 

 

Baldoz however clarified that flexible work schemes must be implemented with the full agreement of both the employers and their employees, as well as without affecting the employees' salaries and benefits.

 

"They (employers) have to reach an agreement with the workers. I'm sure that the employers who would like to avail of this flexi-time will see to it na hindi ito makaka-affect sa kanilang production schedule, sa kanilang mga quota," Baldoz said.

 

She added employers must also advise the DOLE before implementing a flexible work scheme.

 

The working public meanwhile expressed opposing views on DOLE's suggestion.

 

"Sa tingin ko po, mababawasan talaga ang traffic. Mas magiging convenient pa para sa mga commuters at sa mga [may] private cars," said a working mother.

 

"'Yung mga sasakyan ang dapat bawasan, kasi hindi naman 'yung trabaho ang nag-cause ng traffic e, yung mga sasakyan," another worker said.

 

"Mababawasan nga yung araw, dadagdagan naman yung oras. Parang walang pinagbago. Mas nakakapagod po," another employee lamented. — Elizabeth Marcelo/JDS, GMA News