Ilocos Norte biz group opposes 4-day work week

FILE PHOTO/ Ilocos Norte (PNA photo)

LAOAG CITY — The president of Ilocos Norte chapter of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry has opposed the newly-approved Congressional measure allowing a four-day work week by increasing the normal daily work hours.

Last week, Congress approved on third and final reading House Bill 6152, a measure seeking to institutionalize a “compressed work week scheme” where the weekly 48 normal work hours are spent on fewer days.

It was passed with 226 affirmative votes, with no dissents or abstentions.

The flexible work schedule is meant to maximize and enhance employees’ performance.

Ricardo Tolentino, president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s chapter in Ilocos Norte, has expressed concern that this may have a negative impact on the productivity of small businesses and the local workforce as well.

Tolentino, in an interview on Monday, said he will set a meeting with the local business sector in the province to tackle the issue.

While he acknowledged that the compressed four-day work week could help solve heavy traffic in Metro Manila, Tolentino said it is just a “band-aid solution” to the problem.

“What we need is a long-term solution to traffic. Reducing the number of days to work is just a band-aid solution. It is not good for business and the marginalized earners who need to work daily to make ends meet,” he explained.

(PNA)