Deseret News | Reader comments: Senate leaders don't like state's 4-day workweek

Reader comments
Senate leaders don't like state's 4-day workweek

Commoner | 12:32 a.m. Aug. 19, 2008

If after a year's trial run the governor cannot prove more than a few million dollars in savings (without any reduction in work output), then the program will still have failed when compared to the considerable inconvenience it is causing the state's "customers" by denying them the services they are still paying for.

In other words, even if the program meets its objective as set by the Governor it will still be a failure.

The only real question is whether it will merely be a "failure" or a "miserable failure."

If government had to compete for the services they "provide" (by mandating that we interact with it), this program would put it out of business in a matter of months because the customers would walk to the competition willing to be open when the customer wants it to be open.

But what can you do when the government forces you to do business with them how, where, and when they say.

Since we can't walk, the only way to show disatisfaction is to change the elected boss.

But since the democrats cannot put up any one other than the pansie they have duped into running, we still lack any competition.

I like the 4-day Schedule | 7:30 a.m. Aug. 19, 2008

I am a State Employee, and I can already see the benefits. Our office is more productive, and everyone seems to enjoy it.

I like the 4-day work schedule, AND I VOTE!

observer | 7:50 a.m. Aug. 19, 2008

I have noticed that people are generally most productive from about 8:00am to 1:00 pm the rest is just pushing through the day. So essentially the goviner decided to extend the day and have us all pay the same for less service and less effictive work. Now we will have people getting to work before they are needed by the public, and eating breakfast on the clock. The buildings that will be closed will not be turned off completly so the savings will be minimal. Now hollidays and sick days are 25% of a work week instead of 20%. If Huntsman really wants to save money lets have have all these employees work and get paid for four eight hour days or perhaps five six hour days and see if the work gets done.

Comments continue below

Bob G | 8:17 a.m. Aug. 19, 2008

The main problem of overhead costs of utilities is the inefficiency of the government buildings. Expansive offices and rooms with unused space add to these high utility costs. Many offices could be combined in to fewer rooms. There are ways to cut overhead that may not have been cosidered or looked into. A major problem of the 10 hour work day is the stress and fatigue on its office workers. Health declines, efficiency drops, and services to public minimized. Perhaps the good governor should find the data that established why the 8 hour workday was established, and read it. The 10 hour workday will not save as much in utilities as he expects and have an efficient government. I think the constitutional law was adopted on this data and does apply to office workers as well as industrial workers. The federal labor law does. Unions in the past were principal in the establishment of the 8 hour workday for worker safety and efficiency. None of this will make any difference until the end of the year study is done, but I think that report will be biased and inaccurate. Eliminating departments that duplicate eachother would be more effective cost cutting.

Short guy | 8:32 a.m. Aug. 19, 2008

I am also a state employee and I can't wait for the trial period to end and a return to normality. Give me an 8 hour day anytime. It is much preferable to this 10 hour business.

Prior to the change I could arrange my schedule to avoid missing work for other appointments. That ended with the extended day. Now I am forced to leave work to take care of any of my own business.

Meecheeda | 8:37 a.m. Aug. 19, 2008

To observer, let's get real. As a state employee if you cut my pay and work hours, I would find another job. How much money would be spent training and replacing workers that left. As to the productivity, I believe that most people are very misinformed about state workers. In our office we have a few slackers (but so does private industry). For the rest of us, we have had to "do more with less" for many years and have to press to get the work out so slacking from 1-6 as you indicate is not a possibility. As to the most productive times, personnally, I get a second wind about 2 and typically get more done after that time then I do in the morning although I complete a lot of work in the morning. Also, typically, I work through breaks and lunch as many of my collegues do. How many people in private industry that are paid below the norm for their position will work like that? BTW I took a break today to educate you on the realities of state workers instead of the myths.

David Decker | 9:23 a.m. Aug. 19, 2008

Woh! These guys would never have made it in WWII as civilians. Those sacrifices would have killed them if they can't handle a little inconvenience???

Hey, Short Guy... | 10:06 a.m. Aug. 19, 2008

... I understand that most state workers disappear for most of the day to run outside businesses or a 2nd job, anyway. Doesn't matter if the work day is 8 or 10.

In fact, a 10 hour day might be better for you since it gives you one hour to show up at the state job, 8 hours to do your other job, and one hour back at the state job to make it appear you've been there all day. If you need lunch and commute time, just take it of the time spent at the state job.

What | 10:11 a.m. Aug. 19, 2008

Since when does State Statue trump the State Concstitution? It appears Sen. Valentine is ignornant or choses to ingore the State Constitution.

It's all about what looks good | 10:13 a.m. Aug. 19, 2008

To Commoner: If you think that this administration has EVER been concerned about serving the public, you are mistaken. Just ask those in public service who are concerned about their customers and clients. Governor Huntsman's administration is all about "looking good."

What bunch of whineeer's | 12:18 p.m. Aug. 19, 2008

I have been working 12 - 15 hour days all of my adult life. 10 hours days four days a week, Id take that in a heart beat.

Comon guys give it up. Change is harder for some people. Get over it.

Why stop there | 12:27 p.m. Aug. 19, 2008

Maybe the state should go to 3 days (Tue-Thu) with each shift lasting 13 hours and 20 minutes? That would really save on electricity and heat for the buildings. The extended open hours at the DMV (6:00 am - 9:20 pm) would let more people take care of their business...

Know it all Legislators | 12:59 p.m. Aug. 19, 2008

I love these State Senators telling us how it has failed in other cities. I work for Provo City and have seen in about 99% of all areas it work well for the city and the citizens. Where it wasn't working the City has adjusted and opened in those few areas for the citizens' convenience. You notice neither of these Senators, as is typical with two-faced politicians, ever gives any actual facts or evidence - just inuendo. Tell us Senators - since you know everything - where it isn't working in these communities instead of making baseless claims which in reality are lies because they are backed up by nothing but your hot air. Where Sirs, is it NOT working. Oh yeah, you don't want to say because then you might be debated or, gasp, second-guessed. We should never do that to one of our high and mighty politicians. If you don't have any facts please keep you mouths shut! By the way, I know of three local contracting companies that have gone to four-tens specifically to save money on power, gas, etc.

To: Short Guy | 1:01 p.m. Aug. 19, 2008

You have the entire day Friday to take care of "other" business. Sheesh! What more do you need?

To: Bob G. | 1:04 p.m. Aug. 19, 2008

Do you have any facts to back up your comment, "Health declines, efficiency drops, and services to public minimized."? Talk to Provo City Human Resource Dept. and they will show you actual facts rather than the inuendo you like to deal with. I run several crews for the city and it has increased our productivity. My crew spends more time on the job and one day less per week "setting up" and "taking down." They are getting more done. The figures and facts bear that out.

Sign Me Up | 1:06 p.m. Aug. 19, 2008

Maybe I'm in the wrong career. Can I get a state employee application please?

Hmmmmm | 1:21 p.m. Aug. 19, 2008

The article quotes Lisa Roskelley, the governor's spokeswoman as saying that with the Friday shutdown, workers won't be on the roads. Funny, since all state workers were granted free admission to any State park on the first Friday this was implemented. That doesn't encourage people from staying off the roads.

Holy Cow! | 2:13 p.m. Aug. 19, 2008

Spoken like a true polititian!

"I don't think this is a good idea,"

"I'm prepared to support the governor in his one-year trial,"

The story left out the part where the Governor says, "Um, well, gee, thanks for your support".

Anonymous | 2:15 p.m. Aug. 19, 2008

I think this is a good idea, since many state offices before this program were closed after regular business hours-- when most of us are at work. This program should increase the number of hours we can get ahold of someone providing state services off of our regular business hours/ schedules. So, the comments above do not make that much sense to me. My perception is that this program would INCREASE the amount of service that the state can offer; reduce time away from work (increase overall productivity of other businesses); and reorient citizens to use the state's online services, which is the wave of the future. What is to complain about, unless you like to have time off work to do " state business?"

normal vs crisis | 2:24 p.m. Aug. 19, 2008

David Decker, I think there's a difference between the stresses of a crisis period such as WWII and your normal day-to-day activities. Let's try to keep things in perspective.

It's only a one year trial. If you find your government services are lacking as a result, record the dates and issues and be prepared to present that at the end of the trial period. That is assuming of course that they have a comment period.

Wondering | 8:16 a.m. Aug. 20, 2008

I am a state employee and like the four tens. Granted there are some state employees that are not productive, but it doesn't mean all state employees are like that.

Besides, the legislators took away a lot of our benefits, but they got to keep them.

Who said state employees like the job that the legislators do, besides, they are only in session for 45 days - hmm!

J | 9:44 a.m. Aug. 20, 2008

If Valentine does not like it then I am totally for it.

I can't believe | 9:59 a.m. Aug. 20, 2008

This is amazing how many people are crying about working 4 ten hour days. Like others have stated, I've worked 5 ten hour days before and you get used to it. Plus, this is great because if you work "regular" hours it isn't very easy to get to places like the DMV before they close. With the new hours it fixes that problem and the state employees can go do whatever they want ALL DAY on Fridays. I never thought I'd hear people cry about having a permanent 3 day weekend.

arc | 11:22 p.m. Aug. 20, 2008

WVC has had a 4 day work week for quite some time. It works. I deal with a number of city governments. There are times it is a pain, but I know a number of people with 8 to 5 jobs that can't get to see someone at the local city. the 10 hours days, 7 to 6 solves that. I say let huntsman try it.

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Senate leaders don't like state's 4-day workweek

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Reader comments Senate leaders don't like state's 4-day workweek

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Senate leaders don't like state's 4-day workweek