Is a Voluntary Reduced Workweek the Answer?
Mar 13, 2009
equality, reduced, stress, voluntary, workload
Employers across the country, including several in Manitoba, have tried to find ways to deal with the economic crisis without resorting to layoffs. The belt tightening has meant cuts to ad budgets and caps on raises/bonuses. Others have dealt with the downturn by eliminating shifts and/or introducing a reduced workweek.
The reduced workweek is nothing new for Manitoba’s Government employees. After all, their first experience with such a program dates back to the ‘90s with “Filmon Fridays”. In its place since 2002, these employees have been able to apply for a Voluntary Reduced Workweek (VRW) – something the MGEU has had serious reservations about.
At first glance, VRW days sound like a pretty good idea. They save money for businesses and governments and for those who can afford to work one less day a week, they provide more time at home to spend with family. And when you consider the present state of the economy, nobody would argue that a voluntary reduced workweek is preferable to a mandatory reduced workweek or the dreaded L-word (layoffs).
But here’s the rub: at a time when the Manitoba Government vacancy rate is hovering around the 6% mark, VRW programs place additional stress on other employees, particularly in smaller workplaces that are already short-staffed. The MGEU has heard repeatedly from concerned members that workloads and staff shortages continue to be a serious issue that negatively impacts service delivery and their working environment.
Meanwhile, the experience for those who’ve taken VRW days has been mixed. Many take the days but will also take work home with them to avoid falling behind. Others are inundated with work the moment they return to their jobs.
The most puzzling thing about VRW days in the Civil Service is that government often refuses to grant or limits their availability on the grounds of operational requirements.
The bottom line is when there’s a downturn in the economy, everyone can look for ways to streamline processes and shave a few costs here and there. But when times are tough governments are just as busy as ever; even more so when you consider the increased demands placed on social programs.
Perhaps governments should be focusing how they best use their civil servants to help the country out of the recession, rather than taking money away from their workers by instituting reduced workweeks?
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Great article. When mgrs approve VRW days, they also need to consider that person also have vacation time. If a gov't employee has been around for 5 years, they already have 4 weeks holidays, then they can also apply for an additional 20 days (or whatever). I'm glad that vacation can't be carried over, that person would never be in the office. I apply for some VRW days (maybe 5) and you don't really notice having less money because it's taken off all your paycheques, so it doesn't hurt. But it sure is nice to have an additional day off, then when I come back to work I'm refreshed and less stressed, which means I'm much more productive.
Blake - 2009-03-26 16:40