Labour Minister, Sir Steadroy Benjamin, said the government is open to initiating discussion related to the possible implementation of a 4-day work-wee in the country.
The minister noted that the matter has been raised both by union representatives as well as permanent secretaries in the public sector.
“There have been many studies done by experts in the field and there are some people who feel that if you give a four-day workweek, bearing in mind the Labour Code’s provisions, once the hours are met, why shouldn’t we,” he noted.
Sir Steadroy added that there are some who hold the view that once a four-day work-week is instituted that productivity can be increased and that he is prepared to spearhead consultations on the issue.
The Labour minister is giving those making a case for the four-day work-week the assurance that the government will look at it, although it is not making any promises that it will become the law of the land anytime soon.
“We will look at it, we will check it out and once we have commonality of all stakeholders together; the Employers Federation, the unions, social partners and social groups and it is thought fit that the four-day work-week will lead to greater productivity in the society, then I believe the government would see it proper to look at its introduction,” Sir Steadroy revealed.
