In Poland, discussions on the introduction of a 4-day working week or the shortening of the standard working day to 7 hours are increasing. Recently, this proposal was supported by the Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk. However, this proposal was met with harsh criticism from the Minister of improvement and Technology, Krzysztof Paszyk, who warns against the possible negative consequences of this solution.
Proposals by the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy
Minister Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk, during 1 of the interviews, stated that she already carried out analyses of changes in the structure of the week. 2 main scenarios are considered: the introduction of a four-day working week or a reduced working day to 7 hours.
“We in the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy are very curious about this and another pilots. We besides know, of course, investigation from another countries whose results are very upbuilding," said Minister Dziemianowicz-Bąk.
She besides added that the ministry wants to take this issue "very seriously, with a large responsibility, which specified a revolutionary change requires". This means that before taking any decision, detailed analyses and consultations are planned to guarantee that this change will bring the expected benefits, and will not harm the Polish labour market.
Criticism by the Ministry of improvement and Technology
Minister Dziemianowicz-Bąk powerfully reacted to the proposals of the Minister of improvement and Technology Krzysztof Paszyk. In his opinion, the introduction of a four-day working week could have disastrous consequences for the Polish economy.
“I would like to inform Minister Dziemianowicz-Bąk about further getting into the thought of a four-day working week if she does not want to be a minister, which will lead to hundreds of thousands of Polish entrepreneurs going bankrupt. If he does not want to be a minister that will lead to a collapse in the labour market", said Paszyk.
Minister Paszyk besides points out the possible negative effects of specified a solution on the level of remuneration. From his perspective, shortening the week of work could lead to a simplification in salary, which in the long word could negatively affect the standard of surviving of Poles.
Controversy around the proposal
The introduction of a four-day work week is simply a subject that inspires quite a few emotions. On the 1 hand, supporters of this solution point to studies carried out in another countries that propose that a shorter working week can lead to greater efficiency and better well-being of workers. On the another hand, opponents fear that shortening the working week could harm the economy, leading to a decline in production and an increase in business costs.
Summary
The proposal to introduce a 4-day working week or shorten the working day to 7 hours is surely revolutionary and can bring many benefits, but besides challenges. The discussion on this subject will surely proceed and final decisions will should be supported by reliable analyses and consultations with experts and entrepreneurs. Regardless of the direction in which this task will take place, it will be crucial to find a balance between the needs of workers and employers and the economical stableness of the country.
Daniel Głogowski
Expert in his field – Publicist, author and social activist. The first articles were published in 1999 for global publishers. For more than 30 years, he has gained his experience through cooperation with the largest editorial offices. In his articles, he seeks to address controversial topics and present first viewpoints that allowed for a deeper knowing of the issues discussed.
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