CSC Describes Four-Day Workweek Scheme as Voluntary

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) described the adoption of four-day workweek scheme as voluntary which is now effectively implemented in Metro Manila, CSC Chairman Francisco T. Duque III said.

Based on the memorandum issued by Duque’s office to all local and national government agencies nationwide, these offices are required to submit a notice of intent and certification that they have complied with the requirements in case they will like to adopt the scheme.

Duque said in a Radyo ng Bayan interview, any government office opt to implement the four-day workweek, each is required to post in front of their office premises and in the agency’s website 15 days before the start of implementation of the new work schedule.

The CSC chief at the same time directed the CSC officials to post the agency’s names which will adopt the alternative work arrangement.

Duque emphasized the need for uninterrupted service but it is also necessary to have one month transition period, during which a skeletal workforce for the frontline services offered by the agency should be present on the chosen no-work day.

Duque also pointed out the alternative work scheme does not intend to solely address or help solve the traffic problem but also to help government employees affected by the traffic problem.

He also said another important requirement is the monitoring, evaluation and impact assessment once the new work scheme is implemented.

Duque also explained that CSC Resolution No. 1401286 identified the list of items agencies should monitor during the implementation of the four-day workweek.

He at the same time cited an evaluation report must be submitted to the CSC six months or earlier, after the start of implementation to assess the benefits and disadvantages of the scheme and determine its viability in the long term.

However Duque also stated that as of September 30, no government agency has formally submitted a notice.

He said agency heads have the blanket authority to implement the four-day workweek scheme following the guidelines, provided and requirement complied with.