Deseret News | Reader comments: Four-day work week starts to chagrin of some drivers

Reader comments
Four-day work week starts to chagrin of some drivers

soakblue | 12:02 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

Umm, why are they not staggering the four-day work week so someone is still there on any given week day? Sure you'll have to pay to turn on the lights that day, but government is there to serve the people, not to serve the government employees.

Anonymous | 12:00 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

My husband and I went this morning to get driver's licenses. There was a steady stream of cars the few minutes we were there. That was a huge waste of time and energy for all those people. What is Gov. Huntsman thinking by eliminating an entire day of services 7am-5:30pm and replacing it with a mere 30 minutes 4 days a week? The burden hasn't been lifted from taxpayers, just shifted: longer lines, and working around a more limited schedule. It probably cost more than $3 million just to publicize the change-which wasn't very thorough or effective.

Regular Workweek | 12:14 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

I'm not sure WHY we're supposed to feel sorry for these people who work four days a week and are used to the luxury of having a weekday off to do things like this. Just FYI, the REST of us work five days a week, and State agencies are not open on the weekend days WE have off. We've been dealing with this quandry for years. Why, again, are we supposed to feel sorry for you?

And the guy who KNEW about the closure, but expected an exception would be made in his case... well that's his own darn fault. Just how special did he think he was?

Comments continue below

GeeBee | 12:18 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

Anonymous...It's not a mere 30 minutes four days a week...it's an extra 2 hours four days a week, meaning your husband could go before or after work Monday thru Thursday. You apparently aren't very well informed, since this has been basically plastered by the news outlets.

Stealth | 12:24 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

What a bunch of cry babies!

dave4197 | 12:26 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

The state publicized this change, far and wide, long before they actually put it into effect. Those who missed the memo need to go back and read up and learn something. Today's results are a laugher, no more, no less.

When you buy the global warming worries, and the story that we're running out of crude oil, and the pc need to conserve energy, then you buy this idea of shutting down 1000 state offices for a day. Really can't be a bad thing. It's time to enter the debate instead of whining about your once a year (or once a lifetime) "need" for dmv personal services.

Mike Miller | 12:23 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

If they staggered the four day work week, they wouldn't save any money.
Anonymous, you're complaining that the money spent getting the word out was too much after complaining that people didn't get the word. Logical fallacy.

Re:anonymous | 12:28 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

Weird how you know how much the budget was for the publicity but yet you still showed up with your hubby. Doesn't make sense...

Texan | 12:33 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

Utahans get over it. Have you heard the word ADJUST!
I'm sure you had to adjust when....you got married, had children.... bought a home ...school..dogs...
family....should I go on.

dumb | 12:32 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

I think the four day work week is great. People need to learn to use the computer. How dumb are people that didn't know it was going to be closed..Don't you ever read the paper, watch the news, or read the internet...... Time to get out from underneath your rock.

how could you not know | 12:33 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

This has not only been on the Utah news, but on the national and even international news for over a month now. If you didn't know it was closed and went anyway, that's your fault for being horribly uninformed.

Amazing | 12:37 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

Do people live in a hole? This has been very publicized since it was first announced. I am sure everyone thought it would be for services that someone else uses. I don't see this as a big deal at all. For 99% of population it will simply take a thing called planning. If the government can save money by doing then as a tax payer I say save the money. I will come by one of the other 4 days of the week you are open longer.

Geniuses | 12:43 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

There have been regular warning/reminders about the change for weeks now. Anyone who is upset about not being informed could probably fill a book with what they don't know. I'm guessing those who are mad about not being informed are never informed about anything, because they don't watch the news, they don't read the newspaper, they disregard notices around town, online and probably even in their own mailboxes.
And the change to a four day work week makes sense to me. The later hours on the four days of work will serve people better than the Friday day that still only served the unemployed.

I'll take it | 1:14 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

I'd love to have a four/ten work week, every week. Hill AFB has two schedules of four day work weeks where teams alternate every other Friday off.

I loved how uncrowded the freeways were this morning. It was great to get to work in reasonable time. If these state workers are going to cry about it then there is always the unemployment lines.

This is a great idea and should have been done years ago.

the point | 1:23 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

The point isn't to save on the light bill, the point is to have a publicity point to get Huntsman plastered all over the local and national news.

Cabinet post knocking? Ambassadorship?

Just another Utah politician angling for the spotlight away from home. . .it would be nice if for a change one of them would work for us instead of themselves.

Liked It! | 1:24 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

I went in on Monday to register my car, and I thought it was wonderful! For the first time the DMV was still open when I got off of work, so I didn't have to take any time off to accomplish my task. Plus, there was no line!

My question is, why would you ever use a service like the DMV (which most people only use once a year at most) without first at least calling to check the hours? Certainly you can't be naive enough to think that absolutely nothing will change over the course of a year. Even without any publicity surrounding the change, people should be intuitive enough to make sure they've covered all the details before they take a day off of work. Really there is no valid excuse for showing up on Friday for these services.

silliness | 1:27 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

The change to 4 day workweek for govt service I think is a mistake. All five days should be available especially for car registrations and license renewals and other essential service. I believe it will create more problems than it's worth just to save a few dollars. It's more like it will cost people more than what they claim to be saving. I think the change to 4 day week is overkill when it comes to these essential government services. I believe people are right when they complain that fridays are gone for the service they want to obtain.

Jake | 1:30 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

Never heard of so many stupid people in my life. They must live in caves. No one who is anywhere near intelligent should be aware of this 'terrible' tragedy. LoL

Utah, | 1:38 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

Ya, I needed to get a Birth Certificate today, I thought, oh I wonder if they are open, they were, but if they weren't my bad, I should have done it yesterday.

Trade Off | 1:41 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

But the State Liquor Stores are open 6 days a week. If Huntsman closed them up on Friday there would most likely be a riot. Go figure.

shhhhh!!!! | 1:44 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

Everyone that I know, knew about this. I am totally fine with the 4 day work week, i wish i could have that schedule too. "HAPPY FRIDAY!!" :)

Nate | 1:56 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

to: the point
Huntsman already was an ambassador... to Japan.

The point is not just in saving energy for the state, but also reducing commute demands for state employees (a 20% reduction for them in commuting costs). People need to adjust their schedules accordingly and deal with the issue. My question is why all businesses don't go on this schedule?

WC | 1:56 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

welcome out from under your rocks people...I've been out of town for over a month this summer and still knew this was going to happen.

good for everyone | 2:04 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

This change is good for me - I work 8-5, M-F and it's nice to have access to public services after hours. I think most state employees like having Friday's off - who wouldn't? And it will save money. I'm fine with it.

ummm, internet | 2:13 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

You can register your car online. It takes 5 minutes and you get a temporary registration until your other comes in the mail 3 or 4 days later. I am glad people showed up today. They learned a lesson and served as examples :)

Wrongo Silliness | 2:12 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

It gives the rest of us who for whatever reason have to work a five-day week to access services like the DMV before of after work. I lover it. And it willsave energy.

yeah | 2:13 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

I think everyone should go to a four day week. It would be better.

Anonymous | 2:26 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

If it's not convenient to my needs then it is wrong and shouldn't be. Are you kidding me? What a bunch of selfish whiners you people are. Adjust, Adjust, Adjust. Stop waiting until the last minute to do something. We didn't get our handicap pacard in the mail and I went to the DMV offices 2 different days and 2 different locations. The lines were out the doors and the wait was up to 4 hours. All because people wait until the last minute to get their license renewed and their plates renewed. If you have Friday off, don't you think other people deserve it off as well. Stop being so selfish and thinking only of yourselves. If the stores closed on Sunday, you would learn to exist by shopping the other 6 days of the week. Quit complaining and learn to utilize the other 4 days that the facilities are open. Grow up and find something worth while to complain about.

Anonymous | 2:50 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

I'm a fan of this 4 day work week. my wife works for the State and is now driving the 50 miles round trip for work 1 less day. Plus, she may get home later, but traffic is lighter for her now both ways, making her commute faster and saving even more gas.

As for these people who showed up to the DMV today, they got what they deserved. Everyone should register their car online. it's easy if you're smart enough to not throw away a renewal notice and you can read.

Stop Living in a Hole | 2:51 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

To all who boo-hoo, this was well publicized, even nationwide. If you didn't know this was coming, it's YOUR FAULT. Stop complaining because you weren't prepared.

Sorry | 2:55 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

I'm an idiot and I need someone to accommodate me, because I can't read or watch the news.

Please, grow up, adjust your schedule. If your company is open five or more days a week, maybe you can change your four day work week to have Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday off!!!

I'm sick of people complaining because they are uninformed. The world should not accommodate you because you are the idiot.

Anybody else | 2:58 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

Notice that rush-hour traffic at the traditional drive times is also lighter?

Trailer Park News Channel | 2:58 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

I think people need to spend less time watch reality tv shows and going to pro-wrestling matches. Watching the news or reading the paper is a good start. Honestly are people in Utah that ignorant to current events? I'm glad you looked stupid by showing up to a closed office. Maybe you will pay more attention to current events and less on what went on in the Big Brother house.

Anonymous | 3:36 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

The thing that will really make me upset is if I do go in early and someone tells me they havent arrived yet or I go in after work and everyone has left for the day but the lights are still on. This will basically be a 4 day work week without the extra time. Please State employees. Do your jobs and be there on time and leave on time.

LESS GOV WORKERS | 3:47 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

USE THE FREAKING INTERNET PEOPLE THAT IS WHAT IT IS THERE FOR. I HAVEN'T BEEN IN THE DMV SINCE WELL AT LEAST 7 YEARS. THANK YOU!! INTERNET.

THIS 4 DAY WEEK IS AWESOME LOOK AT ALL THE UTILITYS WE ARE SAVING. YOU WILL SEE OTHER STATES TRY THIS WATCH AND SEE.

customer service first | 4:02 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

I think Huntsman sacrificed a huge piece of customer input here. He modeled this after the success West Valley City has had, but they stay open until 7 p.m. so people can really get there after work. 6 p.m. will not cut it.

can see it coming | 4:04 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

Oh, Nate -

And just what days would you propose all businesses should shut down? All businesses on the government schedule? So, all businesses closed Friday through Sunday and every holiday.

Now there's a proposal.

Just a thought | 6:09 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

Why not have some government agencies open Tuesday through Friday. That's still a four day work week, and they can close the buildings on Monday.

Anonymous | 6:24 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

4 Day work week should be standard to us all.
3 days off a week.. perfect..
I think Utah rocks to implement this.. it will and does save money!

Lyman DeKoquonut | 7:43 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

So is the restaurant going to change the name to TGI Thursdays???

to: ummm, internet 2:13 pm | 8:30 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

Not everything can be done over the internet. Al Gore did not create that way. I needed to take in the form to get new handicapped plates for my car. I did check first. But, again, not everything can be done online. I predict that Mr Hotshot Huntsman has just set up the Utah government to fail with his 4 day work week.

awesomeron | 10:45 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

Three Days Off will give some people a chance to get a part time job, working Friday Saturday, and perhaps Sunday as Utah strives to be like every where else. 4 10's get into problems of child care, and gets in quality family time, and just plain getting busy time. Single parents will suffer the most. Singles events held during the week will suffer and you may never Ms/Mr. just right because they are working 4/10's This is of course rough on over 30 returned to the Home Ward Singles. Also activities night at Church, Scouts, etc. You would save just as much Gas etc if the Government Services where open 5 days a week but the employees took different days off. I always liked it best when I had Sunday and Monday off. I more then once took a 2 week vacation, one day each week for 14 weeks. I think I did that for 3 or 4 years. What needs to be assessed is if the Services are extended to the people the extended hours are taken advantage of. That you can really do business after 4 or 5PM. What is really accomplished.

Anon808 | 11:04 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

If you are working and trying to go to School at Night this is going to be rough. I do not think the people and what some are trying to accomplish out side of work, was taken into consideration, this program is a little knee jerk reaction and may cause more problems then it solves. To include Retention/Promotion, furthering of Education, Family time and Recreation Time. Family Home Evening, Family Meals, Bed Time, Church Callings and Sleep Hours. Also there are Federal Laws about working more then Eight Hours a day, such as overtime. Some people have part time jobs or help run family business in the evening. I think it causes suffering and disturbances in the family structure, and puts an undo strain on Marriages and Relationships. We should check the Birth Rate starting 9 months from now and see if it drops. Quality of relationships will suffer, because you do have to sleep, and people will come in more tired because of lack of sleep. Work is not 1st and foremost in most peoples minds. People who are driven by their work tend to have strained Marriages and Broken Relationships. I would look for another job.

Ronald A. Young | 11:03 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

Where is The Union when you need them.

Rick | 11:46 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008

I work 9 hour days and get every other Friday off. It is great for employee morale and aids in employee retention. Other employers are planning to following the state's example. For many workers it is just plain silly to require hours built around the needs of a factory when we are deep into the information age. Indeed many employees could be working from home but that, I guess, is another story.

Watching in FLA | 11:42 a.m. Aug. 12, 2008

I am a resident of FLA and I knew about the office closures. Why? Because just like 90% of the people responding here, I PAY ATTENTION! This is a HUGE ISSUE stretching far beyond Utah borders. Your fine state could be setting a national precedent! As a gov't employee here in FLA where old fashioned thinking and good ole' boy mentality is at the forefront, you have no idea what a beacon of hope this change is for young people like myself. The only people compalining about in my office here in FLA have grey hair and are staring down the barrel of retirement.

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Tom Smart, Deseret News

Department of Commerce official Francine Giani breaks the news to Charles Brown that the Heber Wells Building office is closed today because of Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s new four-day work week.