BACOLOD City – The General Alliance of Workers Associations (GAWA) is opposed to the proposed four-day workweek.
For the daily minimum wage earner, a shortened workweek means a reduction in income and diminution in benefits, said GAWA secretary general Wennie Sancho who is based here.
House Minority Leader Bienvenido Abante Jr. revived a proposal for a shortened workweek in the private sector and non-frontline national government offices, as well as the maximization of telecommuting or work-from-home law as a way to mitigate traffic jams in leading urban centers.
But according to Sancho, managements observe the “no work, no pay” policy, thus any scheme or policy that would result to the diminution of wages and benefits is anti-labor.
Sancho said GAWA would seek the support of all Negros congressmen to block the passage of the bill on a shortened workweek.
“We will also seek the support of the Makabayan bloc in the House to drumbeat the issue,” he added.
GAWA will be seeking alliance, too, with national labor federations like the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines and Federation of Free Workers to fight the bill.
If necessary, GAWA would launch a signature campaign rejecting the bill, said Sancho.
Abante’s proposal aims to reduce traffic congestion primarily in Metro Manila, he pointed out.
“It should not be applied outside the National Capital Region. We are amenable to staggered working hours as long as there is no diminution in rank and pay,” said Sancho./PN
