Reader comments
4-day workweek to begin
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Bob G | 5:56 a.m. Aug. 3, 2008
This all sounds good and some employees may see this as a godsend with a 3 day
weekend. The biggest problem with the 10 hr workday is fatigue and stress. It
usually takes about a month before the reality kicks in and how workers are
being affected. The actual workday will be 12-15 hours after transportation time
is added, especially for those that don't live in the immediate area of
their jobs. If any workers use public transportation they are going to be the
hardest hit with very long days. Public transportation travel is a minimal 4 hrs
per day travel time and will be the most fatigued and stressed. Then as time
goes on there will be an increase of sick days used to have a 4 day weekend.
The 8 hr workday was established many years ago with studies and human body
ability to work safely and efficiently. Saving energy is nice and needed but
loss in efficiency with worker and management fatigue and stress needs close
scrutiny. I've worked the 10 hr/4 day week and over the long haul is
inefficient. It's prone to excessive delays, excessive sick days, and
taking longer to perfom a task.
Wendy | 6:05 a.m. Aug. 3, 2008
Do you think they are going to get things done? There will probably be more
recipe sharing and water cooler talk now more than ever!
J-M Vella | 6:22 a.m. Aug. 3, 2008
Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work (Exodus 20:9)
For myself, the first question I ask when faced with a decision is: What does the Lord want? This is the only statement I know related to workweek. I wonder if it was considered.
For myself, the first question I ask when faced with a decision is: What does the Lord want? This is the only statement I know related to workweek. I wonder if it was considered.
Comments continue below
To Wendy: | 7:05 a.m. Aug. 3, 2008
Stereotyping any one group makes people look so shallow, doesn't it? You
have no idea what you are talking about, as most people do not who make
disparaging, blanket statements about public employees. It shows the same
broad-based ignorance of the situation as people who disparage groups of people
due to race, religion, or other traits show. I wonder what pathetic
satisfaction people gain by denigrating a group of which they are not a part?
State Employee | 7:42 a.m. Aug. 3, 2008
I don't mind getting up and going to work by 7:00 am. But I hate having to
sit around and wait for ten hours now before I can go home.
40 Hours | 8:18 a.m. Aug. 3, 2008
I think that is a smart idea , It makes alot of sense, because in 4 working days
you can have your
40 hors in for the week, sure it makes sense, I wish that some of the School Districts would do it that way,
40 hors in for the week, sure it makes sense, I wish that some of the School Districts would do it that way,
State Employee | 8:33 a.m. Aug. 3, 2008
The media and governors office have portrayed the situation in regards to them
working with state employees to resolve childcare issues and making family a
priority. My experience has been they are not being flexible with workers who
have childcare issues, and telecommuting is not an option to help resolve the
issue. My workday will be 12 plus hours with transportation....makes it hard as
a working mom with young children.....especially when accomodations are not an
option.
Doodles | 9:02 a.m. Aug. 3, 2008
To State Employee:
One of the big problems is the attitude of some state employees that all that is required is to "sit around and wait until time to go home." Far better would be the attitude of making a continual effort to actually earn the salary and benefits paid by your employer (that would be the taxpayers) by doing all that is possible in the hours you have contracted to WORK.
One of the big problems is the attitude of some state employees that all that is required is to "sit around and wait until time to go home." Far better would be the attitude of making a continual effort to actually earn the salary and benefits paid by your employer (that would be the taxpayers) by doing all that is possible in the hours you have contracted to WORK.
For4day | 9:06 a.m. Aug. 3, 2008
There's plenty of other work to do on the three day weekend. Not all work
is at the workplace - much of it is in the home and family along with extending
oneself to the community. So, six days' labor - maybe God meant we need to
move to six day workweek and if 40 hours is magic, that would shorten every day
- get real!
I'm a nurse and we were forced to go to 12 hour shifts because that was what the hospital and employees wanted. A 12 hour hospital day is really 13 with change of shift reporting, and if there was ever a stressful job, that's it. Yet they manage and it is that way in many facilities.
Nobody ever said a 40 hour work week was mandatory, or even ideal. Flexibility can be very good and the extra day for home/family/recreation/exercise/worship/volunteer work, etc. can be a Godsend in itself. Some people just can't think outside the box.
I'm a nurse and we were forced to go to 12 hour shifts because that was what the hospital and employees wanted. A 12 hour hospital day is really 13 with change of shift reporting, and if there was ever a stressful job, that's it. Yet they manage and it is that way in many facilities.
Nobody ever said a 40 hour work week was mandatory, or even ideal. Flexibility can be very good and the extra day for home/family/recreation/exercise/worship/volunteer work, etc. can be a Godsend in itself. Some people just can't think outside the box.
Anonymous | 9:28 a.m. Aug. 3, 2008
How do the owners feel about these new efficientcies? Oh, that's us! How
about we give them Wednesday off so we can get our boats licsenced Friday before
the big weekend. When Monday holidays come around, we'll go 4 days with no
services because of Fridays off. Banks are not allowed to do that by federal
law. That's why the're open the Friday after Thanksgiving.
uncannygunman | 9:55 a.m. Aug. 3, 2008
Instead of 4x10s, why not change various positions to 4x8s with the challenge:
Increase productivity and get more done in 32 hours than you used to in 40, and
we'll we'll let you keep Fridays off indefinitely.
Dale | 10:07 a.m. Aug. 3, 2008
I applaud it. We finally have a governor who is doing his job and trying to cut
expenses. The government is too darn big and wastes too many of our resources.
Surround the shovel | 10:22 a.m. Aug. 3, 2008
Man, you used to have to get up pretty early in the morning to beat a state
employee to the gathering at the water cooler or to beat 4 UDOT workers to
watching 1 actually using a shovel. Now you're going to have to get up
even earlier to do it!
Wait...I is one...I'm going to have to get up earlier to surround that shovel!!!
Wait...I is one...I'm going to have to get up earlier to surround that shovel!!!
Military | 10:24 a.m. Aug. 3, 2008
It's funny to watch the various opinions of how the same 40 hour work week
could be arranged. Try the 24/7 work arrangements that we face in the military.
I guess the laugh's on me.
Pony Express | 10:39 a.m. Aug. 3, 2008
They've been doing 4-day weeks at Dugway for years, and it's not
uncommon for the power to go out even when people are there. Friday off is
essential in order to recover from the other four before the weekend.
Adrenals | 10:51 a.m. Aug. 3, 2008
There is a push to do this in the business world, as well. It doesn't work
for many of us, even if we don't bear the "handicapped"
designation. The issue here is energy costs, and we the people and the
government of the people are too dependent on conventional sources of energy.
Management wants us to work through lunches, and reduce our breaks, until we
have 2 breaks a day in an 8 hour shift. Consequently, unless the employee fights
for the right to a lunch break, employee turnover is larger, because people wear
out, along with the very families they are trying to support. Maybe slightly
longer lunches or more scheduled breaks for the state employees would help them,
in measure, even though that, too, would be more expensive.
Attitude | 11:19 a.m. Aug. 3, 2008
What's the big deal. I work 5 12's, and half a day Saturday. That
doesn't even count the work I take home. (oh, and I commute too....) And I
have to be on point mentally every one of those hours. I don't get tired
just because 8 hours have passed. The mind and body get used to whatever we
challenge them with. If state employees step up with a "can-do"
attitude, they will soon find that they can be very efficient for 10 hours every
day. For the rest of us, let's quit whining. We can get our boats
registered Thursday night at six. The state is no different than any other
company--some employees work very hard while others coast. This isn't
just about the light bill--it will also take cars of the highways one day a week
and spread out the rush hour on others. I applaud the gov's fresh approach
and willingness to try something different !! Maybe the rest of us should put
on our thinking caps.....
LD to J-M Vella | 11:59 a.m. Aug. 3, 2008
When the Lord said �Six days shalt thou labour, and do all
thy work (Exodus 20:9)� He wasn�t
necessarily referring to income labor, rather to all earthly or worldly labor,
i.e. yard work, sports, etc. The seventh day was reserved to do His work, i.e.,
labor pertaining to the spiritual side of our lives, church, visiting the sick
and afflicted, doing good, etc.
That gives employees two more days for their other temporal labor.
That gives employees two more days for their other temporal labor.
Tax payer | 12:51 p.m. Aug. 3, 2008
Just remember, state employees pay taxes also.
Any business that is supported by citizens (state employees, stock boy, ceo, waiter, ect) should live up to the same standards that are expected of state employees.
After all we pay their wages also and the more time and money they waste the more it costs us.
Any business that is supported by citizens (state employees, stock boy, ceo, waiter, ect) should live up to the same standards that are expected of state employees.
After all we pay their wages also and the more time and money they waste the more it costs us.
Rob | 1:52 p.m. Aug. 3, 2008
What about state holidays. On a 5 day shchedule they took off 20% of the week
now it is 25%. Now how many 4 day weekends do they get? Are their vacation days
going to be adjusted for that? All I want is the ability to BUY half the
healthcare they get.
Red Smith | 1:59 p.m. Aug. 3, 2008
Utah, Where we don't work to save energy.
If one does not get out of bed, then that saves energy, too.
This sends the wrong message to society--we can leisure our way to wealth, health and prosperity.
This idea is about as dumb as govenment borrowing money to save the US economy. Debt never made a nation wealthy. Imagine how much capital would be available for good business if the government wasn't out there hogging 500 billion a year?
Govt Debt makes borrowing more expensive and homes less affordable.
The "program" saves $1 per person per year, or 1/3 of cent per day per person. Surely, there was another way to save $3 million dollars other than shuting state government 1 day a week.
5 rested days does not equal 4 rested days. The Bible says work 6 days a week. Utah says work 4 days a week. If seagulls wouldn't eat crickets on friday, where would Utah be?
Surely, there was a better way to save energy.
Where is the State Energy policy? Has Utah increased engery efficiency by government fiat?
The idea that work equals just hours on the job is flawed thinking.
If one does not get out of bed, then that saves energy, too.
This sends the wrong message to society--we can leisure our way to wealth, health and prosperity.
This idea is about as dumb as govenment borrowing money to save the US economy. Debt never made a nation wealthy. Imagine how much capital would be available for good business if the government wasn't out there hogging 500 billion a year?
Govt Debt makes borrowing more expensive and homes less affordable.
The "program" saves $1 per person per year, or 1/3 of cent per day per person. Surely, there was another way to save $3 million dollars other than shuting state government 1 day a week.
5 rested days does not equal 4 rested days. The Bible says work 6 days a week. Utah says work 4 days a week. If seagulls wouldn't eat crickets on friday, where would Utah be?
Surely, there was a better way to save energy.
Where is the State Energy policy? Has Utah increased engery efficiency by government fiat?
The idea that work equals just hours on the job is flawed thinking.
Anonymous | 2:37 p.m. Aug. 3, 2008
Another expansion of the "Not Working For Utah" program.
Anonymous | 3:36 p.m. Aug. 3, 2008
Those "shovel watchers" are a crucial part to the system. If 4
didn't stand around watching in case the shovel his his/her foot there
would be many more accidents!
Just Someone | 3:43 p.m. Aug. 3, 2008
I wish the government could take over every privet company and business. Then we
could all have 4 day work weeks, great benefits, no worries about performance to
stay in business, and being more concerned on how we can spend company money so
we can have a bigger budget to spend the next year.
How can the true American dream of hard work, privet enterprise and independent small company ownership compete with big government wages, low performance expectations and nothing less than welfare benefits for all employees. Big government is slowly robing the American people of the very thing this country was founded on, and it is happening in a way most people can not detect. By the time we see what is happening it will be to late. Big government has never been a friend to private industry, because big government historically ends up taking it over with its promises of wealth, better management and equality for all, and I think we all know where that ends up. Right!!!!! ( If I were the big government I would say the plain is working )
>>
How can the true American dream of hard work, privet enterprise and independent small company ownership compete with big government wages, low performance expectations and nothing less than welfare benefits for all employees. Big government is slowly robing the American people of the very thing this country was founded on, and it is happening in a way most people can not detect. By the time we see what is happening it will be to late. Big government has never been a friend to private industry, because big government historically ends up taking it over with its promises of wealth, better management and equality for all, and I think we all know where that ends up. Right!!!!! ( If I were the big government I would say the plain is working )
>>
Beware | 4:10 p.m. Aug. 3, 2008
Count on less worker productivity per hour during those 4 days (and leaving
early), worse work-life balance and job satisfaction for employees, and more
children left unsupervised due to this program.
It will save money (albeit very small as a percentage of state expenditures); however, there will certainly be less government productivity, lower service availability, and higher worker turn-over to more than offset any short-term financial gain. Determining these new costs is much more difficult than understanding energy use reductions--but they are just as certain.
It will save money (albeit very small as a percentage of state expenditures); however, there will certainly be less government productivity, lower service availability, and higher worker turn-over to more than offset any short-term financial gain. Determining these new costs is much more difficult than understanding energy use reductions--but they are just as certain.
Bromian | 6:38 p.m. Aug. 3, 2008
Utah highway Dept. will lay off 75% of their highway maintenance crews this
fall. Reason: the Japanese invented a shovel that will stand up by itself!
John | 7:29 p.m. Aug. 3, 2008
I wish people wouldn't complain until they try it.
First of all, I find it crazy that the employees fought to keep Columbus Day and Veteran's Day holidays. I have never gotten those. Ever.
Second, I am a CPA a for about 6 months out of the year, during busy times, I work anywhere from 11-15 hour days. I've done it for years; not a big deal. To ask state employees to work 10 hours in one day is not a big deal. Especially considering that most of those jobs are not high stress. Try 15 hour days from March 15-April 15 and then you can talk.
Also, the commute. Oh no. With commute you have a 12 hour day. So doing the math you have a 2-hour commute. Under the old system, that was 10 hours a week. Now it's 8. And think of all the gas you just saved. Instead of complaining, look at the bright side.
As for daycare, now that is the one valid argument out there. I hope there is flexibility for those that have to use day care.
First of all, I find it crazy that the employees fought to keep Columbus Day and Veteran's Day holidays. I have never gotten those. Ever.
Second, I am a CPA a for about 6 months out of the year, during busy times, I work anywhere from 11-15 hour days. I've done it for years; not a big deal. To ask state employees to work 10 hours in one day is not a big deal. Especially considering that most of those jobs are not high stress. Try 15 hour days from March 15-April 15 and then you can talk.
Also, the commute. Oh no. With commute you have a 12 hour day. So doing the math you have a 2-hour commute. Under the old system, that was 10 hours a week. Now it's 8. And think of all the gas you just saved. Instead of complaining, look at the bright side.
As for daycare, now that is the one valid argument out there. I hope there is flexibility for those that have to use day care.
Rob | 9:16 p.m. Aug. 3, 2008
I haven't heard this comment yet. If someone goes into the hospital and
needs a certain medicine approved by Medicaid who will be there to approve it?
These people will have to go with a lesser effective medicine. Also people who
get child support payments through Office of Recovery Services will be getting
checks later. These are usually very needed checks.
Carmen | 10:38 a.m. Aug. 4, 2008
My MIL, who lives in AZ called us over the weekend and asked us, since the state
of Utah now has a 4 day workweek, when we would be coming down to visit. I
guess she missed the part about it being state employees only, lol.
Interested | 5:27 p.m. Aug. 4, 2008
Utah Constitution; Article 16, Section 6 makes that illegal without an amendment
-
Article XVI, Section 6.
Eight hours shall constitute a day's work on all works or undertakings carried on or aided by the State, County or Municipal governments;
I wonder if THAT was ever considered. If any of you want to challenge this - here is a no-brainer. I am an attorney and I am telling you that the courts would declare it unconstitutional.
Article XVI, Section 6.
Eight hours shall constitute a day's work on all works or undertakings carried on or aided by the State, County or Municipal governments;
I wonder if THAT was ever considered. If any of you want to challenge this - here is a no-brainer. I am an attorney and I am telling you that the courts would declare it unconstitutional.
Anonymous | 5:57 p.m. Aug. 4, 2008
Article XVI, Section 6. [Eight hours a day's labor on public works
-- Health and safety laws.]
Eight hours shall constitute a day's work on all works or undertakings carried on or aided by the State, County or Municipal governments; and the Legislature shall pass laws to provide for the health and safety of employees in factories, smelters and mines.
Eight hours shall constitute a day's work on all works or undertakings carried on or aided by the State, County or Municipal governments; and the Legislature shall pass laws to provide for the health and safety of employees in factories, smelters and mines.
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