Labor unions oppose cuts in holidays

Trade unions and labor groups have assailed the proposal to cut the number of holidays in a year, saying this would not affect the productivity of workers and would just deprive them of benefits they have been long receiving.

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) said reducing the number of holidays would only let companies save a little. TUCP secretary general Arnel Dolendo said on Sunday that employers should invest in their workers’ training and seminars and up-to-date equipment to boost productivity.

“Productivity and holidays have no connection. This will just benefit the employers because it will cut their costs by not paying their workers holiday pay,” he added. Employees may get additional pay if they are made to work on a holiday, ranging from an extra 30 percent to 100 percent of their basic wage, depending on the type of holiday.

Employees who do not work on a regular holiday are still entitled to their daily rate. Senate President Francis Escudero earlier said the Senate is eyeing to have fewer holidays in the country, saying the current number makes local companies and workers “less competitive.”

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But for Nagkaisa Labor Coalition chair Sonny Matula, there is no need for a new law to reduce the holidays, with employers already having the option to require workers to work on a holiday, provided they pay a premium for the work done on that day. —DEXTER CABALZA