New proposal seeks shorter working weeks without a cut in pay
The Launceston City Council is proposing a new arrangement that will allow eligible employees to work four days a week without a cut in pay.
The proposal, which is pending a vote among employees, will mean full-time stalf will work 30.4 hours over four days for 100% of current five-day salaries.
"This is a bold and progressive proposal that recognises the changing nature of work and the importance of wellbeing, productivity, and sustainability in the public sector," said City of Launceston Chief Executive Officer Sam Johnson in a statement.
"A four-day week on full pay with improved allowances and leave entitlements would deliver real benefits for our people as well as improved service delivery for the community we serve."
New enterprise agreement
The proposal is included in the new Enterprise Agreement that the council and Australian Services Union (ASU) have agreed in principle.
The agreement also includes a range of improved wage, allowance, and leave entitlements.
Eligible employees within the council's 600-strong workforce are expected to vote on the agreement next month.
"A strong majority of ASU members have supported the proposed agreement, and we look forward to ongoing constructive engagement with council as the vote progresses and during the life of the proposed agreement," said ASU Tas/Vic Branch Secretary Tash Wark in a statement.
"This is a collaborative effort to address attraction and retention challenges, and the union is pleased this is a solid commitment from council."
The agreement will be lodged with the Fair Work Commission once it receives the majority vote from eligible members. Once approved, the agreement will take effect in July.
Four-day working week
Johnson said the introduction of a new four-day work week represents a nationally significant step in modern workplace reform.
The implementation of the arrangement has long been under debate in Australia and overseas.
In Australia, a survey by HiBob last year found that 65% are in favour of a four-day work week, but not if it comes at the expense of their pay and other benefits.
Businesses, on the other hand, have expressed opposition to the arrangement.
"We are not in a position where we can agree to National Employment Standards for five (extra) days annual leave per year or a four-day working week," said Andrew McKellar, chief executive of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, at the National Press Club last year.
"When you think about that, the impact that would have across the effectiveness for small and medium-sized businesses across Australia, it is completely unrealistic."
But there have been employers in Australia and overseas that carried out a pilot run of a four-day work week.
According to the World Economic Forum, Spain's trial of a four-day work policy showed the following benefits among employees:
- Higher self-perceived health status
- Reduced levels of stress
- Less tired
- Felt happier
- More personally satisfied
