4-day work week prerogative of company — DOLE

Amid the scorching heat being experienced in some parts of the country, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Tuesday said that setting a four-day work week is the prerogative of a company.

“‘Yung tinatawag po nating four-day workweek, isa po ito sa mga tinatawag nating flexible work arrangement. Ito pong mga flexible work arrangement, ito po ay prerogatiba at option ng mga employer in consultation na rin sa mga manggagawa,” DOLE Undersecretary Benjo Benavidez told Unang Balita in an interview.

(The four-day workweek is a flexible work arrangement. Flexible work arrangements are the prerogative and one of the options of our employers, in consultation with their employees.)

Asked if DOLE recommends such a policy, Benavidez said this depends on the needs of the company.

“Kung yan po ay talagang masisigurado natin yung kaligtasan nung mga manggagawa o kaya mas mame-maintain natin o lalo nating ma i-improve ‘yung productivity pa nung kumpanya, then why not?”

(If this will ensure the safety of the employees and their productivity will be maintained or improved, then why not?)

Talks on the policy resurfaced due to the dangerous levels of heat index nationwide. PAGASA had said the heat may continue until the middle of May.

Heat safety protocols

Meanwhile, Benavidez said the agency is already implementing mandatory occupational safety and health standards under a department order and the law.

A workplace safety group had urder DOLE to make heat breaks and other protocol mandatory amid the intense heat.

“Regardless of the nature of the job, the place of the work, lagi po naming pinapaalala hanan, nakabase naman po yan sa pamantayan, yung pag susuoot po ng PPE?” he said.

(Regardless of the nature of the job, the place of the work, we always remind our workers to wear Personal protective equipment.)

“Pangalawa yung proper hydration. Pangatlo po yung proper ventilation. Pangapat, po ‘yung pagkakaroon ng mga breaks, lalong lalo na yung short breaks, at meron din po tayong tinatawag na meal breaks,” he added.

(Secondly, there should be proper hydration. Third, proper ventilation. Fourth, there should be breaks, especially short breaks, and we also have meal breaks.) — RSJ, GMA Integrated News