The Greens want to trial a four-day work week in Victoria for public sector jobs
Published
| Last updated
The Greens have vowed to trial a four day working week in Victoria as a state election commitment.
The political party is so serious about the project that they have pledged a whopping $60 million (USD$38.6 million, £33.5 million) to the scheme.
The trial would take place over the next two years and those working in female-dominated workplaces would be prioritised for the test run.
There would also be no loss in pay or entitlements and either a proportional reduction in working hours or the equivalent pay rise for those working part time.
Victorian Greens Leader Samantha Ratnam said the trial would be a trailblazing move for residents of the Garden State.
.jpg)
"Victoria could lead the nation in trialling the four day work week, and we could be world-leaders in wellbeing by making time for people to enjoy their lives," she said.
"These trials are already taking place in various private sectors and around the world, and results are outstanding. Workers often achieve the same or greater output, and with a much more reasonable work-life balance."
She added that workers have been 'tricked' into believing that working five days a week is normal
She added: "If we can achieve the same results in four, as the trials are indicating, why wouldn’t we take some of our time back to spend with loved ones on passion projects?”
The change is especially needed due to the lingering impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the Victorian Greens candidate for Richmond Gabrielle de Vietri.
"After the pandemic, workers in all industries are exhausted," she said.
"We need to help Victorians get their life-work-balance back on track so they have more time to spend with their family, exercise, look after themselves, and spend time doing the things they love."
The Victorian Labor Party was considering introducing a four-day work week for public servants, according to leaked policy documents, as the state gears up to hit the polls for a state election on November 26.
The Herald Sun reports the party has since walked back on their plan to introduce the four day working week policy.
Industry Support Minister Ben Carroll said at the time there were 'no plans' to change how many days employees in Victoria spend at work.
Reason Party leader Fiona Patten also backed a trial run of a four day working week in Victoria at the start of October, adding it would be a 'logical' and 'rational' move for thousands of workers, the Herald Sun reports.
