People Before Profit’s call for a four-day working week has been labelled “utterly unrealistic” by Shane Coleman.
In its election manifesto today, the party will make a number of eye-catching promises - such as free childcare, free public transport and caps on the price of food.
As well as a four-day working week, People Before Profit also wants employees to have 30 days of annual leave a year and for two more bank holidays to be created.
On Newstalk Breakfast, presenter Shane Coleman said the party platform was “certainly eye-catching”.
“I think it’s utterly unrealistic,” he said.
“It’s about as realistic as their claims that they’ll be able to raise €8 billion a year in a wealth tax - which ain’t going to happen.
“Firstly, if you work a four day week, it would mean that your holidays are reduced - not going up to six week holidays and an extra two bank holidays.
“I think that would mean you’d be working 172 days a year.”
People enjoying the beach on holiday. Photo: Clara Margais/dpaAdvocates of a four-day working week believe it boosts productivity and wellbeing among employees.
Despite this, Shane said that although he “loves the idea” of people working less, he worries it would be an “absolute disaster” for the economy.
“I could see it working in certain sectors, I just don’t see how it’s remotely realistic to try and introduce that,” he said.
“How would it work in the health service, for example?”
'The sky didn’t fall in'
Fellow presenter Jonathan Healy said he could see why employers would “absolutely hate this” but said it is an idea worth discussing.
“You’ve seen the reluctance to stick with working from home but there is something in this,” he said.
“I know we always deride the French as being slightly workshy when it comes to certain matters - but the French have done this and the sky didn’t fall in.
“There’s a nugget of truth in this.”
In 2022, Belgium became the first European country to allow its citizens to request a four-day week from their employers.
Main image shows Shane Coleman. Image: Newstalk.
