Companies and workers must hold dialogues before implementing a compressed workweek setup, a Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) official said yesterday.

DOLE spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Lennard Serrano said management and employees must reach a mutual agreement if they plan to adopt the arrangement.

“Discussion between workers and employers [is important] because they know what kind of jobs can be included in this setup,” Serrano said during the “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon” public briefing.

“In the discussions of the arrangement, fair treatment, no discrimination as to who will be able to participate in the program or arrangement is recognized. Wages, benefits and work performed should be equal and fair,” he added.

Serrano said workers’ protection and safety must also be ensured under the arrangement.

“This is called a compressed workweek where the usual working hours are 40 hours in five days, can be done in four days. So 40 hours compressed into a four-day workweek,” he said.

“Necessarily more than 10 hours a day. With this setup, we look at the nature of the establishments or industry to ensure that such arrangements should consider the welfare and safety of the workers if possible,” Serrano added.

Alternative work arrangements are being studied to help ease the impact of rising fuel prices due to developments in the Middle East.

Other options being considered include flexible schedules and telecommuting. (PNA)