Coalition opposes reduced number of holidays

THE Nagkaisa Labor Coalition said on Friday that senators should seek to learn the challenges besieging workers instead of reducing the number of holiday breaks.

The coalition issued the statement after Senate President Francis Escudero said he is open to reducing the number of national holidays in the Philippines.

«Instead of focusing on reducing the number of holidays, our lawmakers should examine the struggles of workers. They should address real issues, including heavy traffic, the P150 national wage increase, wage discrimination and contractualization,» Nagkaisa Chairman and Federation of Free Workers President Sonny Matula said in Filipino.

«Contrary to arguments that too many holidays reduce competition, we believe that appropriate rest periods can enhance productivity by allowing workers to rest, recharge, and spend quality time with their families,» he added.

Matula said workers in other countries were more productive because of shorter working hours, higher salaries and longer vacations.