Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. a3e8

Introduced by Representative JOEY SARTE SALCEDA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The British economist John Maynard Keynes predicted that technological
advancements will eventually lead to shorter working days and forecasted that by 2030
workers would be able to enjoy abundant leisure time. Indeed, progress in technology has
considerably altered social structures and affected human activity. Among these are those in
the world of work where new arrangements have begun to evolve. One notable development
is the growing trend of flexible working time and the gradual shift from the standard forty (40)
hour working week to a shorter one.

While this growing trend may seem counter-productive, Anna Coote of the New
Economics Foundation in Australia, among other academics, suggests that a shorter, more
flexible working week actually increases productivity and strengthens the economy. Citing
various reports, she concludes that part-time workers are physically and mentally healthier,
and are thus more productive. Observations like these have enjoined other parts of the world
to make policy changes that would test whether a reduction in the number of weekly work
hours can boost employee productivity.

While increased productivity seem to be a main benefit, both employers and employees
who have participated in shorter weekly work hour schemes have cited other less obvious but
just as important gains. For example, flexibility in workplaces accommodated the special
needs of families, mothers, and older workers. Shorter work hours saved on utility bills, and
resulted to fewer cars on the road during rush hours. In a study conducted by the Swedish
government, workers in stressful environments such as nurses who were working six hours a
day were more active and less sick than those working eight-hour days.

In light of the aforementioned, this bill proposes to institute a thirty-five (35) hour
working week for employees in the private sector as an alternative work arrangement. This is
in line with the policy of the State to promote not only higher levels of productivity but also
the welfare of workers. With this bill this representation envisions a more robust economy,
and happier workers in healthier workplaces.

Itis for these foregoing premises that the approval of this bill i



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. _ 9183

Introduced by Representative JOEY SARTE SALCEDA

AN ACT
INSTITUTING A THIRTY-FIVE (35) HOUR WORKING WEEK SCHEME
AS AN ALTERNATIVE WORK ARRANGEMENT FOR EMPLOYEES
IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION I. An employer in the private sector may, upon request of its employees or
on a voluntary basis, implement a thirty-five (35) hour working week arrangement for its
employees upon such terms and conditions as they may mutually agree upon, including
arrangements for flexible working time: Provided, That such terms and conditions shall not be
less than the minimum labor standards set by law.

Inall cases, the employer shall ensure that the employees under a thirty-five (35) hour
working week scheme shall:

(a) receive a rate of pay, including overtime, night shift differential and other similar
monetary benefits, not lower than those provided in applicable laws, and collective
bargaining agreements;

(b) have the right to rest periods as provided for by law;

(c) have equivalent workload and the same performance standards as those of
comparable employees in the company; and

(d) be provided by the employer with written information on the terms and conditions
of the thirty-five (35) hour working week scheme adopted, and the corresponding
responsibilities of the employees under such arrangement.

SEC. 2. The parties to a thirty-five (35) hour working 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. For this purpose,

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employers shall keep and maintain, as part of their records, documents proving that a thirty-
five (35) hour working week arrangement was adopted.

SEC. 3. Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of Labor
and Employment shall, in consultation with the National Tripartite Industrial Peace Council
and relevant stakeholders, issue the appropriate implementing rules and regulations of this Act.

SEC. 4. All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations and other issuances or parts
thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended
accordingly.

SEC. 5. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,