Four-day working week negotiated

Press, 29 October 1981, Page 1

Four-day working week negotiated

From February next year workers in tearooms, restaurants,. coffee bars, and takeaway bars will be able to negotiate a four-day, 40-hour week with their employers. A clause has been inserted in the national collective agreement covering workers in the industry which allow'S for an employee to work a 10-hour day, four days a week if the worker can get

the approval of his employer. Neither party may force the other to accept the variation in hours. The agreement does not cover workers in restaurants which are associated with hotels or chartered clubs. It is believed to be the first document to make provision for a four-day week. The Hotel - Workers’ Association agreed with the

concept because it gave members the opportunity to become permanent workers instead of casuals. Staff from February could prepare both a lunch and an evening meal in one shift whereas at present two shifts of casual workers are needed. As part of the settlement, employees will get a 10 per cent wage rise.