Senator-elect Nancy Binay. Photo by RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Neophyte Senator Maria Lourdes “Nancy” Binay has filed a bill seeking to grant sales ladies in malls and similar establishments 15 minutes rest periods for every two hours of “uninterrupted and continuous duty.”
At present, Section 132 (A) of the Labor Code only provides for “seats proper for women” which they could use “when they are free from work and during work hours, provided they can perform their duties in this position without detriment to efficiency.”
Binay filed her proposed measure Monday in the Senate, amending the specific provision to further grant the female employees assigned in sales 15 minutes rest periods every after two hours of continuous work.
The proposed 15-minute rest period is in addition to the meal breaks now being enjoyed by the sales clerks.
“Provided further that women assigned in malls, department stores, stalls and similar establishments whose assigned tasks require them to be in a standing position while attending to customers and clients shall, in addition to their meal breaks, be allowed 15 minutes rest periods for every two hours of uninterrupted and continuous duty,” the bill said.
Binay, in filing the bill, noted that “equality for both men and women is a vital aspect for the development of a nation.”
“The laws of nature, however, limit women in terms of physical condition, strength, capacity and attributes. Admittedly, the male specie is sturdier, more tolerant when put up against punishing demands of physical employment,” she said.
“This situation is evident in shopping malls, department stores and contractor stalls that require their sales person to suffer work in standing position for long periods of time.”
Hence, the need for the immediate passage of the proposed bill, Binay added.