Council Proposal for Four-Day Work Week
Launceston City Council is considering a proposal that would allow its staff to work four days a week for full pay. An in-principle agreement has been reached between council management and the Australian Services Union (ASU).
Under the proposed terms, employees would work 30.4 hours over four days while retaining their full salaries. This agreement, if approved by the council's 600 staff in an upcoming vote, would be integrated into the council's enterprise agreement for two years, commencing in July 2026.
Rationale and Implementation
Council chief executive officer Sam Johnson stated that the proposal aims to address challenges in attracting and retaining staff. He noted a decline in interest for local government careers over time. Mr. Johnson highlighted the historical significance of industrial developments in Australia, such as the 38-hour work week, suggesting that the four-day week represents a contemporary adaptation.
The council expects to stagger days off among individual teams. Mr. Johnson indicated that an increased reliance on private contractors or overtime is not anticipated, though he acknowledged that implementation might involve initial challenges.
The new conditions would not apply to senior executives. Employees currently working part-time may be eligible for pay increases if specific criteria are met. The agreement also includes a 2 percent pay increase over the two-year period.
Industry Concerns
The local business community has voiced significant concerns regarding the proposal. Michael Bailey, chief executive of the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI), described the initiative as a "20 percent reduction in hours for the same pay."
Mr. Bailey warned that potential outcomes include increased operational costs, reduced service efficiency, project delays, and financial risks to investment. He also expressed concern that the council's decision could create a benchmark that most small and medium-sized businesses would struggle to match.
Union Support
Tash Wark, ASU branch secretary for Tasmania, confirmed that the proposal has received majority support from union members. She stated that such a condition is highly appealing to individuals seeking improved work-life balance and can assist employers with staff attraction and retention.