Extended Hours Not Convenient For Everyone
Jun 10, 2008
extended, mpi, overtime, work-life, workweek
In the last few weeks, negotiations between the MGEU and Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) have stalled. While there are monetary and other issues that remain to be negotiated, the main point of contention is management’s insistence on extending working hours. Management not only wants MPI claim and service centres open on Saturdays, but they will not guarantee employees two consecutive days off.
It seems like ages ago when all stores were closed on Sundays. Now virtually everything is open on the “day of rest”. Liquor stores have extended their hours, and even banks are open more now than they ever were before. Some Wal-Mart stores in Winnipeg have recently decided to open on a 24-hour basis.
And if you ask the average person, most will probably tell you that extended hours are a good thing. The arguments for extended hours are that they offer more flexibility for those that work shifts; that they allow people more choice in when and where they work and shop; or simply that this is the price of progress. And for business and corporations, such as MPI, to remain “competitive”, they have to be available to serve the public when the public wants to be served.
The bigger question that we should perhaps be asking is: whatever happened to our work – life balance? Even baby boomers who worked in the private sector and put in 50- or 60-hour weeks at least knew they had the weekends to themselves.
Most people, especially those with young children, cherish the time they have with their families on weekends. Many, including those that work at MPI, also took the jobs they now have because they were “9 to 5” in nature and suited their lifestyle. So for obvious reasons, it would be a very significant change to their family life should they be given a Sunday and a Wednesday off in a given week.
Those who point to the service sector and say that almost all retail operations are open on Saturday are missing the point. First of all, it’s likely that the majority of workers in these occupations would choose to have Saturdays and at least consecutive days off if they could. Secondly, we need to ask ourselves if everything really needs to be open all the time. At MPI, customers can currently make claims on Saturday as it stands. Is there really a demand from the public who want to be able to bring their automobiles in to a claim centre at 9pm on a weeknight, rather than tuck their kids into bed?
Nobody would argue that well-rested and satisfied workers are less likely to suffer from stress. And these are employees that are healthier, take less sick days, and are more productive at work. What organization wouldn’t want to have employees that look forward to getting to work in the morning?
Comments
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it doesn't make any sense to be expanding hours at MPI. MB Blue Cross isn't open extended hours. I've already got a driver licence which I hope should be the one and only time in my life I'll need to get it or tested. And I don't think there's any type of accident or claim that's so important it can't wait till the phone lines are open which already work extended hours. MPI is only looking at the perception of customer service - front line; not what happens after the fact of reporting a claim, adjusters are so busy they can barely keep up with files or call customers back, and even if you dont need an adjuster and just have your vehicle repaired, it's not like you're going to get your vehicle into a repair shop on a Sat or Sun., and good luck getting work done on it on the long weekend in the summer in MB! after all, it's not like I'm on my way home from work and need to stop in somewhere for milk and bread, something required daily, once you've purchased your autopac or got your driver licence hopefully you won't need to use their service again, and I can renew my driver licence at any autopac agence office now
Marilyn - 2008-06-13 13:28
I see no reason for MPI to be open extended hours. It's not like you get in a accident very often. The places to register your car or renew your licence ( which should be once every 5 years, not every year ) are open late and on weekends.
pissinginthetent.com - 2008-06-15 23:47
As Marilyn points out that Adjusters can barely keep up with their current files or customer call backs. MPI wants to open Saturdays with it's current staff, no more hires. They are already overworked. And they won't be guaranteed two consecutive days off. It's not worth it.
Akbar - 2008-06-17 11:24