DOLE proposes flexible work scheds, amidst COVID scare

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, March 20, (PIA)—The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has proposed flexible work arrangements (FWA) for workers as a temporary measure to allow companies to scour on a bit of savings and reduce workers in a station.

Such would be to properly implement the mandated social distancing and stop the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), as well as save the company from huge losses now that the viral pandemic has altered the way people are economically behaving.    

Moreover, with COVID-19 impacting largely on industries and plunging sales, crashing businesses, the DOLE sees the adoption of FWAs as a better alternative than outright termination of services of the workers or the even harsher closure of establishments.

Through Labor Advisory No. 09, series of 2020, DOLE recognizes the practicality of FWA that employers and employees can consider taking also into account the adverse consequences of the situation on the financial viability of the company.

FWA refer to alternative work schedules other than the traditional work-hours, workdays or work weeks.

Among DOLE’s proposed FWAs are: reduction of work-hours or workdays, alternately rotating workers or alternately providing work for workers within the work week and forced leave where employees are required to go on leave for days or weeks using their leave credits, if there are any.

From here, DOLE encourages employers and employees to explore alternative work schedules to cushion and mitigate the loss of employees’ income.

As soon as both agree on the adopted FWA, the administration of such would be both their responsibility, according to DOLE.

In related development, the DOLE has issued Department Order No. 209 which lays the guidelines for a financial assistance as a means of support to COVID-affected workers in the formal sector.

The program, called COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) is a government safety net program that offers financial assistance support to affected workers in private establishments that have adopted FWAs or by temporary closure of their company’s operations due to the COVID pandemic. (rahchiu/PIA-7/Bohol)

AWAKE WHEN EVERYONE'S ASLEEP. Emergency responders of Bohol TaRSIER 117 are excempted from the FWAs them, being on the emergency medical and rescue services. (rahchiu/PIA-7/Bohol)