The City of Launceston’s plan to give its employees a four-day workweek at full pay has hit a major roadblock. After a public backlash, the council has decided to temporarily shelve the proposal, which would have given 600 local government workers a 30.4-hour workweek. But what caused the strong public reaction, and will this idea ever get off the ground?
A Bold Plan Faces Backlash
Launceston’s council had big plans. They wanted to offer employees a four-day workweek at full pay, with a modest pay rise of 1%, as part of a plan to improve staff well-being and work-life balance. It was hailed as a bold move—a sign of the times, where flexibility and employee care were becoming a priority. But what was meant to be a progressive move quickly turned into a heated debate.
The backlash wasn’t just from workers or staff—business lobby groups, along with members of the local community, voiced their concerns. There were worries that this change could harm productivity and affect local services. The argument wasn’t necessarily against the concept itself, but more about how it could work in practice, reports Yahoo Finance. Would services be affected? Would it be fair to ratepayers, who fund the local government?
The council CEO, Sam Johnson, acknowledged the hostility but expressed regret over the situation. He said the strong criticism unfairly targeted the staff, who were just trying to improve their work-life balance. It’s clear that the council didn’t anticipate the intensity of the opposition, and this forced them to hit pause on the initiative.
What’s Next for the Four-Day Week?
While the plan is on hold, the council remains committed to modernizing workforce practices. The idea isn’t completely off the table. According to Johnson, the council plans to revisit the proposal in 2028 with better evidence of its feasibility and benefits. The goal is to introduce reforms gradually, ensuring that any changes would be understood and accepted by the community.
In the meantime, the council has revised its enterprise agreement, offering a more flexible approach, such as a compressed 38-hour, four-day workweek or a nine-day fortnight, depending on operational needs. It’s a step forward, just not as bold as the original plan.
Is the Four-Day Week the Future?
The four-day work week isn’t a new concept, and many companies around the world are experimenting with it. While some have seen improved productivity and employee satisfaction, others have struggled to make it work without disrupting services or profitability. The Launceston council’s experience highlights how complex this change can be, especially in government sectors where public opinion plays a major role.
The debate around workweek flexibility is far from over. As more organizations, particularly in the public sector, explore alternatives to the traditional five-day workweek, we’re likely to see more trial runs, with some succeeding and others being put on hold, like Launceston’s plan. Whether or not it becomes a widespread practice remains to be seen, but this is just one step in the ongoing conversation about the future of work in Australia.
