Alternative work schemes for gov’t to take effect May 22

MANILA, Philippines — Government agencies may adopt alternative work arrangements for their employees starting May 22 to help prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, according to Commissioner Aileen Lizada of the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

The offices could resort to one or several of these arrangements or even combine them depending on their needs, Lizada said.

These arrangements include work from home, skeleton force, four-day compressed workweek and staggered working hours.

Combining the different arrangements could also make things easier for the public, government officials and employees, Lizada told a news briefing on Monday.

“If the head of agency deems it fit, and he wants to do another combination, he could do so. The head of agency is allowed. Why? Because heads of agencies know better what are the needs of their offices,” she said.

The CSC earlier announced that the alternative work arrangements would take effect 15 days after publication.

Work from home can be resorted to in a lockdown or general community quarantine, and social distancing is necessary, Lizada said.

No hazard, overtime pay

But those working from home should not expect hazard pay or overtime pay, she said.

Senior citizens and workers with immunodeficiencies and comorbidities, and pregnant women may also work from home, she said.

Those working a compressed four-day workweek need not spend all the required 40 hours in the office, Lizada said.

They could work a certain number of hours in the office, and put in the rest at home, she added.

Lizada also said government agencies must assign a safety and health officer to direct what should be done to keep workplaces safe.