Dublin City Councillors have unanimously backed a motion calling for a four-day working week pilot programme for council workers.

The motion, tabled by Labour Councillor Kevin Donoghue, calls on DCC Chief Executive Owen Keegan to work with trade unions on a four-day working week trial programme.

It was supported by all 63 councillors at this evening's council meeting.

My motion calling for a #FourDayWeek pilot at Dublin City Council passed at the Full council this evening. Thanks to Cllr colleagues from all parties for their support and to DCC for their positive response. Very excited about what this means for DCC and for the city🌹✊ pic.twitter.com/OhVDnyziKk

— Cllr Dunny (@KevinDonoghue) July 5, 2021

Discussing the motion earlier this month, Cllr Donoghue said studies have repeatedly shown that a four-day week leads to a “happier and more productive workplace.”

He said the COVID-19 pandemic had highlighted the workplace changes that are possible when the will is there, adding that companies are now “talking about doing things that would have been unimaginable just over a year ago.”

“The time has come for the four-day week to be introduced here and I would like to see Dublin City Council leading the way and taking this progressive step,” he said.

“A pilot programme would give the council and trade unions the flexibility to engage on any challenges or concerns.”

It comes as trade unions encourage Irish companies to trial a four-day working week to see how the strategy can benefit their business.

Driven by the Four Day Week Ireland campaign, the trial will offer businesses training, mentoring and advice from companies all over the world that have already made the change.

They will also have access to “world-class academic research and expert analysis” from Boston College and UCD.