Lawmaker files bill eyeing 'flexible work schedule' for pregnant women

A bill has been filed in the House of Representatives to allow pregnant women and those who have just given birth to have "flexible work arrangements."

House Bill 8471, filed by North Cotabato 3rd District Representative Ma. Alana Samantha Taliño Santos, aims to allow pregnant women and new mothers to work from home or be allowed to adjust their time-in and time-out schedules.

“Studies have shown that accommodations for pregnant employees also have positive impacts to overall work productivity, reduce absenteeism and improve employee satisfaction and retention,” Santos said.

The proposed flexible work arrangements shall extend for at least one year from the date of childbirth.

Santos clarified that the flexible work arrangements shall be agreed upon by the employer and the pregnant employee and post-natal mother and shall adhere to labor standards.

Violators will be fined P20,000 to P200,000 or be imprisonment for 30 days to 6 months.

Employers, however, may seek an exemption from the Department of Labor and Employment.

The bill also provides that mothers who avail of the flexible work arrangement shall be assured security of tenure, and "exercise of this option by them shall not be used as a basis for demotion in employment or termination."

“By enacting this legislation, we empower pregnant women and post-natal mothers to effectively balance the responsibilities of their professional commitments with the demands of their family life, particularly during this crucial phasef of motherhood,” Santos added. —VAL, GMA Integrated News