A few days after the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation), the Executive has changed and announced the non-working days for this Thursday the 14th, Friday the 15th and Saturday the 16th November 2024. This decree will only apply to Lima City, Huaral y Callao.
In addition, through the Supreme Decree No. 123-2024-PCM published in the official journal Peruremote work is officially compulsory during the 11th, 12th and 13th of November in light of the holding of this international event.
“During Monday the 11th, Tuesday the 12th and Wednesday the 13th of November 2024, the public sector entities, located in the City of Lima, in the Province of Huaral and in the Constitutional Province of Callao, carry out their work in a mandatory manner and under responsibility . about the telework method,” he says.
Similarly, it is specified that those employees who are necessary to provide services, as well as those who perform functions that cannot be performed remotely, are exempt from remote work by public sector entities.
On the other hand, companies i private sector They have the option to implement telework, as long as there is an agreement between the worker and the employer, according to the current regulations. This flexibility allows companies to adapt their operations to current needs in light of announced restrictions.
Through this decree it has also been announced that there are virtual classes for schools City of Lima, Callao and Huaral. This measure covers both public and private schools, and extends to all levels, degrees and modalities of education under the jurisdiction of the Education sector.
That is, it applies to primary, primary and secondary school. However, when the decree was circulated a day before its publication, the group Volvamos a Clase Perú reported a sit-in in front of the offices led by Morgan Quero, with the aim of rejecting it.
Congresswoman Ruth Luque spoke out against this decree, as various unions have announced a 78-hour strike to demand more effective measures to combat citizen insecurity. This is how he indicates that the president is “afraid” of the marches.
“Dina Boluarte is afraid of the freedom of speech of citizens, that is why she issues a DS that provides for non-working days for Metropolitan Lima, Huaral, Callao, teleworking and virtual education between November 11 and 13 ,” it reads.
For her, the former Minister for Women and Vulnerable Populations, Anahí Durand, He also joined the criticism and indicated that the Government considers that these measures could stop the protests.
“The government of Dina Boluarte orders “tele-work” and virtual classes next week. It doesn’t matter what activities he is paralyzed with or how the students learn. They believe that by sending people home, they deactivate the protest and show a controlled city,” he said via his X account.
Mandatory telework on November 11, 12 and 13 during APEC 2024: What does the decree say and who does it apply to? AndesWorkers belonging to this sector must usually carry out their activities and they are as follows:
- Sanitation and health services
- Cleaning and sanitation
- Electricity
- Agua
- Drain
- Gas and fuel
- Funerals
- Communications and telecommunications
- Transport
- Fishing
- ports,
- Airports
- Terrapuertos
- Hotels and accommodation establishments that receive and provide service to
- Guests
- Restaurants
- Security
- Banks, among others.
Various unions have announced the 78-hour mobilization that will begin on Wednesday, November 13. Among the requests is the repeal of the organized crime law, but it has not yet been reviewed.
More than 400 transport companies will join this measure and various organizations as well.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Labor Expert Dr. Patricia Reyes
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Reyes. With the announcement of mandatory telework in Lima, Huaral, and Callao during the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week, what do you believe was the driving force behind this decision by the government?
Dr. Patricia Reyes: Thank you for having me. The government’s decision is primarily centered on ensuring public safety and maintaining order during a significant international event. With high-profile gatherings, authorities often want to minimize disruptions, especially considering that protests and public demonstrations can escalate during such times.
Time.news Editor: That’s a valid point. However, there seems to be significant public backlash regarding the implementation of remote work and virtual schooling during this time. Why do you think people are reacting this way?
Dr. Patricia Reyes: People are reacting with skepticism because many view these measures as an attempt to sideline public grievances. The criticism from legislators and citizens reflects a broader frustration with how the government is handling issues like citizen insecurity, especially when these exemptions for telework could disrupt essential services and education continuity.
Time.news Editor: The decree also specifies that public sector employees are expected to telework while private sector companies may opt for telework based on agreements. How do you see this differentiation affecting the work environments in these sectors?
Dr. Patricia Reyes: The differentiation reflects a desire to maintain flexibility in the private sector, which is often more responsive to worker needs and economic pressures. However, this could lead to disparities in productivity and morale. Public sector employees may feel a lack of control, while private companies, provided they can foster cooperative agreements, might adapt more smoothly. This divergence could widen the gap between sectors in terms of workplace culture and outputs.
Time.news Editor: There’s concern from various educational groups regarding the shift to virtual classes. Considering the government’s justification for such a move, what implications do you foresee for students and teachers?
Dr. Patricia Reyes: The shift to virtual classes poses significant challenges, particularly for younger students who are less likely to engage effectively in online learning environments. While the government sees this as a practical solution, it neglects the learning needs of many children and the difficulties teachers face in delivering engaging content remotely. There’s a fear that this could exacerbate educational inequalities further.
Time.news Editor: Indeed, a complex situation. Critics, including Congresswoman Ruth Luque, are claiming that this is a manipulation of public concerns to suppress dissent. Do you think these measures will have any long-term effects on civic engagement or protests?
Dr. Patricia Reyes: Absolutely. Measures like these can breed resentment and disengagement among citizens. By cloaking authority in safety measures and telework mandates, the government risks fostering a culture of distrust. If citizens feel their freedom to assemble and speak out is being compromised, it might lead to more intense protests or a backlash against governmental authority in the future.
Time.news Editor: That’s an insightful perspective. As we move forward, what do you think is the optimal approach for the government to balance safety during significant events like APEC while addressing public discontent?
Dr. Patricia Reyes: The optimal approach would involve open communication and genuine inclusion of grassroots voices in decision-making processes. The government could organize forums for dialogue to transparently share their plans and concerns regarding safety while simultaneously addressing the economic and social issues plaguing citizens. Building trust through respect and acknowledgment of public issues is key to fostering stability.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Reyes, for sharing your insights on this pressing topic. It’s crucial for us to understand the broader implications of these governmental decisions on society.
Dr. Patricia Reyes: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to engage in dialogue on such important issues.