A bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives to allow pregnant women and new mothers to have "flexible work arrangements."
North Cotabato 3rd District Representative Ma. Alana Samantha Talio Santos introduced House Bill 8471, which aims for pregnant women and new mothers to be able to work from home or change their time-in and time-out arrangements.
According to Santos, studies have shown that accommodations for pregnant employees boost overall job productivity, minimize absenteeism, and increase employee satisfaction and retention.
The suggested flexible work options must last at least one year after childbirth.
Santos further explained that flexible work arrangements must be agreed upon by the employer, the pregnant employee, and the postnatal mother and must adhere to labor rules.
Meanwhile, violators will face fines ranging from P20,000 to P200,000, as well as imprisonment ranging from 30 days to 6 months.
Employers, on the other hand, may apply to the Department of Labor and Employment for an exception.
The measure also states that women who use the flexible work arrangement would be guaranteed tenure and that "exercise of this option by them shall not be used as a basis for demotion in employment or termination."
