FOUR-DAY WORKWEEK PILOT BEGINS AFTER AGREEMENT REACHED ON EMPLOYEE IMPACTS

The four-day workweek pilot program initiated by Gov. Chris Gregoire to save money and energy began Monday (Oct. 6) in most affected agencies with employees represented by the Federation. This comes after the union and state reached an agreement Oct. 1.

The union had filed demand to bargain over employee impacts caused by the six-month pilot, such as those affecting commuting and childcare.

Under the agreement, the state commits to being flexible on such issues as telecommuting, flexible work hours and breaks. The Office of Financial Management will continue to explore vanpool options under the state’s commute trip reduction program.

The six agencies/offices affected by the Federation-state agreement are: Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development (agencywide);
Union Street office of the Department of Fish and Wildlife; Department of Services for the Blind (all offices, except Lacey); Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (agencywide); the Auburn regional office of the Parks and Recreation Commission; and the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board.