Manufacturers and traders have urged the government to carefully study its proposal to implement a 4-day work week, as it could negatively impact on certain sectors that require continues operations, such as manufacturing.
In separate statements, the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) strongly noted the need for a balanced approach as the potential impact in any shift of work arrangements will vary across sectors.
On the part of the manufacturers, FPI Chairperson Elizabeth H. Lee pointed out that manufacturing and other production-driven sectors typically operate on continuous production cycles and highly coordinated logistics systems.
Any adjustments in work structures would need to be carefully designed to avoid unintended disruptions in output, delivery schedules, and supply chain flows.
“The impact may differ significantly for manufacturing, where continuous production requirements are a central consideration,” said Lee. “Possible effects on supply chain stability, delivery timelines, and competitiveness relative to regional peers should be thoughtfully assessed.”
At the same time, the potential impact of any shift in work arrangements will vary across sectors.
But certain service-oriented and knowledge-based industries may be able to adapt more readily through flexible or hybrid models, depending on operational requirements.
She added, “Productivity and cost implications are critical variables. Pilot programs and data-driven evaluation may be useful steps before considering broader implementation.”
Discussions on a four-day work week are not new globally. Several countries have undertaken pilot programs or trials of compressed or reduced work-week arrangements.
Within ASEAN, however, no country has adopted a universal, across-the-board mandate for a four-day work week across all sectors.
(Photo credit: PCCI Photo)
Meantime, PCCI President Perry Ferrer said a shortened work week must be supported with balanced, evidenced-based and sector-sensitive approach.
While the intentions to save energy cost, reduce operating costgs and protect the well-being of employees are laudable, PCCI expressed apprehension on the potential impact to micro, small and medium enterprises.
“We are not against the implementation of flexible work arrangements but there should be proper consultation with various stakeholders and supported with data to ensure that industries with specific operational requirements will not be adversely affected,” Ferrer said.
He said that the manufacturing industry is among the sectors that could be significantly affected. “For manufacturing, we have been operating on a limited resources and further reducing the number of work days could affect our commitments,” he added.
Ferrer said that the PCCI is committed to work closely with policymakers, labor groups, and industry stakeholders to ensure that this proposal will be beneficial for the Philippine economy and the Filipino people.
