Bill instituting 35-hour work week hurdles second reading

THE House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on second reading a bill instituting a 35-hour work scheme as an alternative work arrangement for employees in the private sector.

Through viva voce voting, lawmakers approved House Bill 309 principally authored by Albay Rep. Joey Salceda.

The bill, which is expected to be passed on final reading next week, aims to strengthen the country’s economy through increased productivity of labor forces.

The measure establishes a voluntary flexible work week scheme to boost employee productivity and welfare.

The bill also requires employers to provide monetary and workrelated benefits to their employees under a 35-hour work week scheme such as: overtime pay and night shift differential, right to rest periods as stipulated in the Labor Code, and have an equivalent work load and performance standards comparable to other employees in the company.

It also necessitates a written information on the terms and conditions of the adopted working scheme for the information of both employer and employee.

The bill also provides grievance mechanism within the company to resolve cases of conflict between the employer and employee in the implementation of the work scheme.

The bill also said the parties to a 35-hour work week arrangement shall be primarily responsible for its administration. In cases of conflict during implementation of the scheme, the differences shall be resolved under the grievance mechanism of the company.

For companies without grievance machineries or whose mechanisms are inadequate, the grievance shall be referred to the Department of Labor and Employment for resolution, the bill said.

For this purpose, the measure added, employers shall keep and maintain, as part of their records, documents proving that the arrangement was adopted.

Salceda said the bill seeks to promote not only higher levels of productivity but also to promote the welfare of workers.

He said the flexibility in workplaces accommodated the special needs of families, mothers and older workers.

“Shorter work hours saved on utility bills and… fewer cars on the road during rush hours,” he said.