What are time and motion studies? (Labor law)

What are time and motion studies? The time and motion study is the more scientific and preferred method. The basis for the establishment of rates for piece, output or contract work is the performance of an ordinary worker of minimum skill or ability.

An ordinary worker of minimum skill or ability is the average worker of the lowest producing group representing fifty percent (50%) of the total number of employees engaged in similar employment in a particular establishment, excluding learners, apprentices and handicapped workers employed therein.

It is worth to note that C.A. Azucena (2013), in his book on labor standards (page 291), said: "How can the Philippines be competitive if our standards are based on the output of the low-performing workers? How will this "Philippine standard" be viewed by foreign investors?"

In the case of homeworkers, the time and motion studies should be undertaken by the DOLE Regional Office (RO) having jurisdiction over the location of the premises used regularly by the homeworkers. However, where the job operation or activity is being likewise performed by regular factory workers at the factory or premises of the employer, the time and motion studies should be conducted by the DOLE RO having jurisdiction over the location of the main undertaking or business of the employer.

Piece-rates (done by piece-rate workers) established through time and motion studies conducted at the factory or main undertaking of the employer shall be applicable to the homeworkers performing the same job activity. The standard piece rate shall be issued by the DOLE RO within one (1) month after a request has been made at said office. Upon request of the DOLE RO, the Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC) shall provide assistance in the conduct of such studies.