UniTeam senatorial candidate Jinggoy Estrada says that he will file a bill establishing the rights and obligations of workers and employers operating under a hybrid work set-up, which involves a mix of on-site and work-from-home operations.

“If an employee chooses to work from home, employers must pay them proper compensation, benefits and allowances. While workers enjoy the benefits of not leaving home, their employers also save on utility costs like electricity and water, as well as office rental,” Estrada said in correspondence with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Friday, Feb. 18.

Estrada’s proposed bill is aimed at both constituent workers and employers, as he says that many workers prefer a hybrid work model as it reduces the risk of contracting coronavirus (COVID-19). He dded that this sort of model does not entitle employers to reduce employee benefits.

In his correspondence with the DOLE, Estrada cited a study by human resources and software group Sprout Solutions.

According to the study, voluntary resignation or “attrition rate” among Filipino workers increased by almost 70 percent in 2021; where science and technical services saw a 273 percent attrition rate increase; construction at 120 percent; arts and entertainment at 207 percent; and information and communication technology at 117 percent.

The study further claims that the most common reason for resignation was primarily change in work set-up; followed by lack of work-life balance; then salary deduction; and anxiety over job security.

“While many choose to work from home, it doesn’t automatically give employers the right to cut their salaries and benefits. Workers and employers deserve protection. While there are a lot of exploitative employers, there are also abusive workers,” he added.

Estrada is gunning for a Senate comeback in the 2022 polls under the UniTeam banner of presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos and vice presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.