To decrease unemployment, a Dutch politician wants to introduce a law requiring employees to only work four days, presumably so more employees can be hired on the off days.
This is such a bizarre concept to an American, to think of legislating work hours at the national level, when we do things on a private company by company basis in the United States. However, the entire economy is dictated by the government in the Netherlands. For example, by law most stores must close early in the evening, to allow workers to go home to their families or social life. So while certain American companies are reducing hours for employees, or placing people on furlough, or taking other measures appropriate to their own needs, the government of the Netherlands will be considering forcing its own solutions on businesses there.
Below is an excerpt from the story in De Telegraaf, plus some of the 186 comments the story garnered:
This is such a bizarre concept to an American, to think of legislating work hours at the national level, when we do things on a private company by company basis in the United States. However, the entire economy is dictated by the government in the Netherlands. For example, by law most stores must close early in the evening, to allow workers to go home to their families or social life. So while certain American companies are reducing hours for employees, or placing people on furlough, or taking other measures appropriate to their own needs, the government of the Netherlands will be considering forcing its own solutions on businesses there.
Below is an excerpt from the story in De Telegraaf, plus some of the 186 comments the story garnered:
The PvdA [political party] wants to require a four-day workweek to counter the fast-growing unemployment. Politician Mariette Hamlet will introduce this idea to the cabinet for debate next week.
A four-day workweek can "help unbelievably" in the fight against the loss of jobs...A four-day workweek creates a more fair allotment of job opportunities and helps parents with the care of their children, she said.
To make the shorter workweek possible, the cabinet must get rid of obstacles within the law on working hours.
Comments:
I only want a 4-day workweek if my salary remains the same.
Political party of the Poor...Everyone knows that what she didn't say is that salaries will be decreased by 20%.
Keep your communist ideas to yourself.
How come so many foreigners are allowed to come work here? No wonder that there is less and less work.
Yeah, yeah, and then surely give up 20% of the salary? People, think about it! Many people can barely get by as it is. Or do you think they will let you work less for the same pay? Hahaha, that makes me laugh!
The world economy is 24 hours, except in the Netherlands. Away with the laws on closing times. That will add more jobs. Here in Berlin the stores are open daily till 10:00 p.m. In Ireland there are 24/7 stores. That is better than working four days. We have economists of the highest level in the Netherlands.
This might sound arrogant, but I'm very proud to say that I am 58, and I've never voted for that political party in my life.
People must be extremely naive to take this party seriously.
Comments