Unison, the UK's largest union, is urging the next government to enshrine the right to a four-day working week for all workers, after a vote of support from its members.
Representing public service workers, including NHS staff and police, Unison delegates passed a motion calling for legislative action to encourage employers to embrace this new working model.
“Trade unions fought for an eight-hour workday in the 19th century and a two-day weekend in the 20th century. In the 21st century, it is time to take the next step and win a four-day week with fair pay for all,” the union said.
This proposal increases pressure on the Labor Party to consider implementing a four-day work week if it ensures victory in the upcoming elections, as current opinion polls indicate. Since 2019, Unison has donated more than £8 million to the Labor Party, making itself one of the party's most important financial supporters.
However, Unison's proposal is not without controversy. The union, which has more than 1.3 million members, represents workers in many essential public services. Critics argue that a four-day work week may not be viable for sectors already under pressure.
Julian Jessop, economics fellow at the Institute of Economic Affairs, expressed concerns: “There are some services where a four-day working week is not a realistic option. Doctors are already struggling to provide enough GP appointments – how can they see 25% more patients in one day?
Unison represents employees at South Cambridgeshire District Council, the first council in the UK to implement a four-day week without loss of pay. The government is closely monitoring this policy due to concerns about its impact on taxpayers.
Christina Macania, Unison's general secretary, believes a shorter working week is inevitable with the advent of artificial intelligence expected to reduce workloads. However, a spokesperson would not confirm whether Unison staff would also move to a shorter week.
Ms. Maknea stressed the need for a new approach to workplace regulation and progressive policies to secure livelihoods and well-being. “The pandemic has proven that people can do their work from home while remaining effective. The four-day work week is the next big step,” she added.
Likewise, the Public and Commercial Services Union, which represents public sector workers, called for a significant reduction in working hours without reducing salaries.
In 2022, more than 3,000 employees at 61 companies participated in a national trial of a four-day workweek without loss of pay. The researchers found that companies saw a 1.4% increase in revenue and a 65% reduction in sick leave by the end of the six-month trial, with only three companies discontinuing the scheme.
It is worth noting that the CEO of the competing British bank Atom announced improvements in every measure since the adoption of a four-day week.
Following the successful trial in the UK, campaigners urged MPs to legislate a four-day working week, hailing the trial as a major advance. This concept is gaining international attention, with other countries also exploring it. French President Emmanuel Macron recently had to postpone a labor summit on the topic due to participants' holidays.
A poll by the Four Day Week campaign revealed widespread support among UK adults, with 67% of Conservative voters, 69% of Labor voters and 74% of Liberal Democrat voters supporting a four-day working week.
Increasingly, companies are considering this business model to attract talent, as evidenced by the billionaire Issa brothers' trial of a four-day week at Asda to address management discontent.
Unison's push for a four-day working week represents a major shift in the conversation around work-life balance and productivity in the UK, which could herald a major change in working practices if Labor takes power.