Calls for Alternative Work Arrangements During EDSA Rehabilitation
With the major rehabilitation of EDSA set to start this June, there is growing concern about the impact on daily commuters. Senator Joel Villanueva is urging both private companies and government offices to implement alternative work arrangements to help ease the strain on employees traveling along this busy route.
The senator, known for championing Republic Act No. 11065 or the Work From Home Law, highlighted the importance of flexible work setups especially as the construction project is expected to last two to three years. “We have been pushing for the adoption of alternative work setups since January to help our labor force prepare for this long-term rehabilitation effort,” he said, emphasizing the need for early preparation.
Villanueva chairs the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment, and Human Resource Development. He stressed that proactive measures are necessary to reduce the daily stress caused by heavy traffic on Metro Manila’s main thoroughfare.
Flexible Work Solutions to Ease Traffic Burden
“Kawawa naman po ang ating mga empleyado na nauubos ang oras sa traffic dahil lang kailangan nilang pumasok sa opisina araw-araw para gawin ang trabaho na kaya naman nilang gawin sa kanilang kabahayan gamit ang tamang teknolohiya,” the senator remarked, pointing out the needless hardship faced by workers who spend hours commuting despite being able to perform their duties remotely using the right technology.
He added, “We need to be more compassionate and innovative in our approach to work.”
Under the Telecommuting Act, private employers can voluntarily offer remote work options as long as labor standards like proper compensation, reasonable work hours, leave benefits, and rest periods are maintained. Clear agreements between employers and employees must also be established to set expectations.
Meanwhile, the Civil Service Commission has already issued guidelines encouraging government agencies to adopt flexible work arrangements wherever possible through Memorandum Circular No. 06, s. 2022.
Supporting Workers Through Infrastructure Changes
“The world of work is constantly evolving, and we must respond with proactive, responsive solutions that prioritize the well-being of our workforce,” Villanueva said. He reminded everyone that workers are the backbone of the economy and must be supported, not burdened, during these necessary infrastructure upgrades.
As EDSA’s rehabilitation unfolds, embracing alternative work arrangements will help minimize the negative effects of prolonged construction and traffic congestion on employees’ productivity and well-being.
For more news and updates on alternative work arrangements, visit Filipinokami.com.