GOVT EMPLOYEES REJECT PROPOSED 4-DAY WORK WEEK
Submitted by courage_phil on Wed, 09/28/2011 - 03:23.
QUEZON CITY—The national center of the country’s 1.4 million government employees, the Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE) today expressed their opposition to the proposed 10-hour, four-day or 10/4 workweek for both public and private sectors.
COURAGE National President Ferdinand Gaite slammed the proposal, saying that it will only serve to invalidate several hard-won rights and benefits gained by the labor movement.
“Historically, the adoption of an 8-hour work day was borne out of an arduous struggle waged by the labor movement and as such, it remains as a demand of major political significance for the working class. If implemented, the 10/4 workweek will overturn not only the implementation of an 8-hour work day but also other hard-won benefits such as the right to overtime pay and night shift differential pay,” Gaite said.
“Moreover, the implementation of the 10/4 workweek in government offices will undoubtedly have a negative effect upon the delivery of basic services, as it will lessen the days that government offices and bureaus are open to the public. Also, a longer workday will result in grater physical stress for already underpaid and overworked rank-and-file state workers, resulting to a drop in employee productivity and morale,” Gaite added.
“If the government wants to increase the workers’ efficiency and productivity levels, Aquino should immediately implement a substantial wage hike for both the public and private sectors. We stand firm by our demand for a P6, 000 increase to the minimum pay of all government employees and a 125 across-the-board wage hike for private sector workers in order to provide immediate economic relief amidst the rising prices of basic commodities,” Gaite concluded. ###
PRESS RELEASE
For September 9, 2011
References: Ferdinand R. Gaite, COURAGE National President
Jen Mendoza, Media Liaison