In a move towards more flexible scheduling in the retail sector, the Shop Distributive and Allied Employers Association NSW is advocating for Woolworths retail workers to have the option of working four days a week. Under the proposal, staff could condense their 38-hour work week into four 9.5-hour shifts, allowing for a more concentrated work period while still meeting their weekly hours.
The proposal for a four-day work week, if approved by members, would apply to approximately 14,000 full-time employees covered by the Woolworths enterprise agreement. This initiative seeks to address the evolving needs of employees and offers an alternative work arrangement that may better suit some workers' preferences and lifestyles. Woolworths has refrained from commenting on the proposal until after the members have had the opportunity to vote on it.
Not all unions have embraced the four-day work week proposal, with the Retail and Fast Food Workers Union (RAFFWU) expressing concerns over certain aspects of the agreement. RAFFWU's secretary, Josh Cullinan, criticized the proposal, claiming that it may not provide the desired flexibility for the majority of part-time workers. He highlighted potential issues such as abrupt changes in shifts that could impact workers' ability to manage their personal commitments effectively. Despite differing opinions among unions, the final decision on the four-day work week proposal is anticipated to be determined through a member vote, scheduled to conclude by mid-June.