Survey Shows Lopsided Results: Workers Laud Four-Day Work Week

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Survey Shows Lopsided Results: Workers Laud Four-Day Work Week

Originally Posted on June 18, 2008

The OPEA website has been inundated with state employees eager to take the survey over the 4 day work week. OPEA Deputy Director Scott Barger said the survey results are increasingly lopsided.

“With the increase in press coverage about the 4 day work week, state employees are beginning to come out in mass to express their support for the concept,” he said. “We placed the survey on the website Friday and within the first hour, had nearly 50 responses.”

Barger says the results are 95 percent in favor of the concept. “Understand this is not a scientific analysis by any stretch,” he cautioned. “It is a simple yes or no survey with an area for comments. But, 95 percent of those taking the survey like the idea.”

Here are some of the responses:

In some instances it is more feasible during summer months than winter months, especially of maintenance road crews that are charged with snow and ice removal.
If we can't get a raise in '08 a four day work week would be great!
Conservation is a large key to the future.
Shorter work weeks will conserve gas, electricity, and reduce pollution.
In DHS, they could let people work from home to type their DA Reports but they won't do it!
My wife recently started with OJA and they have already implemented different varieties of a variable work schedules for their employees including a four day work week. I work for DHS and they seem to be against a 4 day work week. If they (DHS) would implement a four day work week it would save us a lot of money as we drive 70 miles a day round trip to work. Please help DHS to see the light!!!!!
We state employees need any help we can get to offset the higher gas prices since the pay raise was defeated.
It would interfere with my child care. It would be a hardship.

To take the survey, click the OPEA logo in the lower left column.

Posted on Monday, July 7, 2008 by Mark Beutler filed under

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79 comments (Add your own)

1. Tonya Schlecht wrote:: I am in support of the 4 day work week. This would save me daycare expenses for 1 day with 2 children and would save on gas expenses. As a State worker it is getting more difficult to deal with the stress of finances along with the high stress jobs we have on a daily basis. Americans are broke and we as workers deal with there pain and stress on a daily basis not to mention with no raises we live the same financial strains.
June 19, 2008 @ 9:09 AM
2. Connie F Mason wrote:: I am in favor of the 4 day work week. I am driving round trip 40 miles a day....4day work week would help soo much with gas expense..We DHS workers are working hard each week to make ends meet...our low pay scale along with getting paid once a month is a stressful situation...We are all watching our pennies and beleive me one day of gas is a lot of pennies saved!!!!!
June 19, 2008 @ 9:54 AM
3. FattCatt wrote:: The four day work week will not happen here at ODOT because we have a hateful and heartless Director.
June 19, 2008 @ 12:15 PM
4. MEB. wrote:: I already get to work at 07:30 a.m. I do not have far to drive every day, so I dont' have to fill up my car very often. As a single woman, I am soley responsible for taking care of my home and my property. There is no way I want to come home every night after dark! I have to leave for work in the dark in the winter. Why would I want to do the same at night? And just becuase I would end up with an extra "free" day is no gaurantee I would be able to do all my yard work, etc. on that extra day. With the weather the way it is, I could end up with a rainy day every day off. Plus, it's better to do yard work in the evenings when it's cooler.

Plus, there are those days I have to do my grocery shopping. It's not unsual to suddenly run out of something, or need something in the middle of the work week. Again, I don't want to be forced to go to the grocery store alone after dark. And again, if I have an extra day off, I want it to be a day OFF, not a day to do all those chores I could have been doing on my free time alreay.

PLus, wednesday evenigns I have church, and dont' wish to be late. By the time I get supper on the table, I'd have to really be in a rush.

OK, I know I won't be popular here. But not everyone is going to support this idea 100 %. Not every idea works for everyone, and not all state workers even know about this idea. As usual, all ideas affecting state employees are done "in the dark" so to speak and are not publicized until a done deal.
June 19, 2008 @ 2:27 PM
5. In The Know wrote:: Non-uniform staff had the 4 day work week at DOC way back when gas began to get above 2.50 and were told it was to help out by cutting employee costs. Then just as staff thought upper managment had shown some concern and that it might even tricle down to those of us in uniform it went away and all that was said was someone high up didn't like the idea and canned it. Most figure it must be some one that has a state car and state credit card or lived on grounds. As far as the folks that are on the front lines that pay for their own transportation to and from work it was working. Moral also benefited. It even increased coverage as schedules were adjusted so that every weekday (M-F) there was at least 10 hours rather than now 8 hours. Even plans have been looked at that would allow us officers the ability to get a similair plan and not hurt shift coverage or create moral problems between uniform and non-uniform. As the heat has been applied, the excuse has turned to people were taking advantage of it as in cheating the clock. Guess what? Its the same people that cheat the clock today with an 8 hour a day schedule. Its time for DOC to think forward and not live in the way we have always done it mentality cause gas hasn't alwasy been $4. We are being streched to be be progressive in all other areas, why not this one?
June 19, 2008 @ 7:29 PM
6. Renee wrote:: I try to support what will help the most people in our organization. I think a 4 day work week would do that. Like I care if I am personally inconvenienced because it rained! I bet I could just find another time to mow the yard or go to the grocery store. I think a bigger concern is all the money state employees are losing. This is just a way to help most people's finances a little. We are sinking without that pay raise.
June 19, 2008 @ 7:53 PM
7. DGreen wrote:: It sounds great but what about those that work at the prison. Not that all of them are officers but you do have the administration staff. How does this work in for them or is just for certain state workers.
June 20, 2008 @ 12:03 AM
8. Phillip wrote:: DGREEN,
I know some 24 hour facilities like prisons have gone to 12 hour shifts. That might be an idea
June 20, 2008 @ 7:14 AM
9. Patricia wrote:: I would prefer the 9 hour day, every other Friday off option to four ten-hour days. Working 10 hours day after day is just too long.
June 20, 2008 @ 8:40 AM
10. Joe Citizen wrote:: I can see the pros and cons to this. For some folks it would work out great, while others wouldn't benefit from it at all. My biggest concern would be how do you make it fair across the board for all employees. I don't think you can. Their are some employees that have mission critical jobs and the work is barely covered now. It wouldn't be fair to them if they weren't able to participate in the 4 day work week. I also gather from reading on here, some agency directors are not the most pleasant to deal with and won't support this idea.
Enough about this, what I would really like to know is where did the State find 10 million to contribute to the purchase of the GM plant for the Federal Government, but they weren't able to find any money to give to you guys, the State's workers?????
June 20, 2008 @ 8:57 AM
11. Sandy Gray wrote:: I totally agree with Connie when she posted:

I am in favor of the 4 day work week. I am driving round trip 40 miles a day....4day work week would help soo much with gas expense..We DHS workers are working hard each week to make ends meet...our low pay scale along with getting paid once a month is a stressful situation...We are all watching our pennies and beleive me one day of gas is a lot of pennies saved!!!!!

I drive 25 miles a day, so this would be great. I an praying this will pass!
June 20, 2008 @ 10:00 AM
12. Sharron wrote:: No, my husband and I both work for the same State agency and we run errands when we get off work as well as make Dr. and Dentist appts. after our work hours. If everyone is off work at one time, it may become very difficult to accomplish anything.
The traffic around the complex will become atrocious when everyone is trying to get here and out of here at the same time and we will be idleing our cars more than we do now.
The long work days will be making all employees more tired than they realize and will be more difficult to get to bed (cook, clean, care for family, etc) and then to get up possible earlier to get back to work.
The deposits for the Tax Commission will be made later and revenue from interest earned will be shorter in the long run.
We need the money to pay our way, NOT A QUICK FIX.
June 20, 2008 @ 10:34 AM
13. Garylee Walz wrote:: Unless people are planning on sitting at home in the dark, please explain how they are going to save money.
June 20, 2008 @ 10:50 AM
14. Supportive of my co-workers wrote:: Not every plan meets everyones needs 100% but if we can make it where employees have the option to work 10 hour - 4 day work week that would be great for employees who live a longer distance from their worksite. So I would say rather than only looking out for yourself, look at how this could help your co-workers. This decision is not being made in the dark. The proposal is out on the table for everyone to look at and discuss. So I support what will help out all state employees with their expenses and I would love a 4 day work week to save some money on gas.
June 20, 2008 @ 2:08 PM
15. Jami Murphy wrote:: Ten hour work days will not work for families with children.
Depending on the parents' drive time, children would spend >11 hrs./day in daycare or school + before and after school care. Most school provided before and after programs aren't set up for 11 or more hours. Ten hour work days also would make it impossible for the children of State employees to participate in after school extra curricular activites, eg, dance, martial arts, that aren't provided through the schools.
June 20, 2008 @ 3:58 PM
16. Renee wrote:: That is really silly to try to come up with all these worst case scenarios. Is there not traffic at your office normally? It rains, doctor's appointments are scheduled but the four day work week is trying to help people save on gasoline-2 less commutes a week. The pay raise is gone for this year. People are trying to be optimistic. This is Oklahoma & Oklahoma people are resourceful & optimistic. Let's try to think of the greater good & put petty inconveniences aside.
June 20, 2008 @ 4:26 PM
17. bryan wrote:: Renee is right! If it is initiated the 4 day work week will probably be optional, as I don't believe they will let DHS close one day a week. So if you do not want to do the 4-day work week you will not have to. OJA has already implemented the variable work week and you may choose from several options. So, don't worry you will be able to have your cake and eat it too. Geesh!
June 23, 2008 @ 7:41 AM
18. Richard wrote:: We have both options here at DEQ: 4 10-hr days or 9-hr days with every other monday or friday off (80 hours over 2 weeks). I'm on the 9/80, like it alot, don't think I could handle 10-hr days.
June 23, 2008 @ 2:14 PM
19. Elizabeth Freeman wrote:: I work at SORC and worked the 4-10 work week for almost a year. I feel like the 24-hour facilities need to be included for consideration if a bill is submitted. Not just a blanket statement for essential and nonessential staff. Look at each positions/classifications not the institutions as a whole. If you don't you will exclude alot of people that would also like to work the 4-10's.
June 23, 2008 @ 4:02 PM
20. Donna wrote:: I am in favor of the 4/10 hour work day. The 24 hour facilities needs to be included in any plan for DHS/DDSD to be allowed to work the 4/10 hour days.
June 23, 2008 @ 4:06 PM
21. JB wrote:: I work for DHS and where I work there was about 10 people already doing the 4-10s long before gas was an issue. They all were told they no longer could do the 4-10s b/c others began to request 4-10s to help due to gas prices. So here we have some STATE departments allowing some not allowing it---we need to get it together!!! I think 4-10s should be offered for ALL employees and each department be responsible for working out there coverage. Everyone worried about daycare and school--what will you do when our kids are going to school 4 days a week? If you do not have to pay daycare right now you will for that extra day they are out of school and you will be wishing you had the 4-10s b/c your gas will still be high and you will have another day of daycare. I have 3 kids and I am broke already due to gas and daycare one more day might just break the bank---it might be cheaper to stay home all together!!!!!!
June 23, 2008 @ 4:14 PM
22. JEB wrote:: 4 day work week---YES!!! If we are not going to get a raise then let US decided if we want to work 4 days or not. I drive over 28 miles to and from work everyday so it would help on my gas plus I would be able to save a day on daycare as well. I think each office, department, unit, or whatever should decide if they want to work it or not. Not everyone should be forced to do it. As long as your office was covered 5 days a week then there should not be an issue with individuals who want 4 10s!!! Everyone needs to stop trying to make this so complicated.
June 23, 2008 @ 4:23 PM
23. puddin tane wrote:: two words - car pool
June 23, 2008 @ 9:16 PM
24. Pam wrote:: I agree with Jamie. That would be too long to be away from my children. I'm already tired after 8 hours, then I go home to my next job - taking care of my family - dinner, baths, laundry, homework, etc. - just to get ready for the next day. I've read comments about saving a day on daycare, but where my children go, you pay whether they are there or not! Honestly, if you work a 4 day week, are you really saving money by being off the extra third day. Sounds like everyone will be driving all around town that day running errands and using more gas!
June 24, 2008 @ 10:42 AM
25. JEB wrote:: Car Pool---that does not help those of us that live in rural areas, but thanks for the idea. Now lets just get back to the BIGGER picture, it does not matter if we do 4 10s gas is going to keep going up. So what we really need and want is the raise for the cost of everything going up thanks to gas prices and we will need the 4 10s just so we can make it month to month.
June 24, 2008 @ 1:33 PM
26. LJB wrote:: Our we going to be the ones that truly decide? We can sit here and debate this until we are blue in the face. Our state government is overseen by politication and they are not going to do anything that does not server their best interest. Major oil companies made Oklahoma and pour in millions of dollars a year into our state economy. So do you think that our state government will allow us to cut into the profits of oil companies that our fatting the pockets of the elite. Who is kidding who...
June 24, 2008 @ 1:56 PM
27. FattCatt wrote:: LJB

Amen!

I am really scared things are getting so out of control in this country so much, I fear soon no one will have a job to go to. Crops are being washed away or burning up, all utilities, food, gas etc. is going through the roof. Talk of Israel attacking Iran...and if that happens we as a nation will shut down being that our country revolves around oil and we will not be able to get it shipped to America. We have a much bigger problem here than a four day work week like being able to find gas to get to work. Anyone that was around back in 1980's should remember the gas shortages we had. There were actual fist fights over gas and all to many times seeing signs on gas pump’s “Out of Gas”.

We need to do more than B****, we need to pray.

>*x*<
June 24, 2008 @ 3:05 PM
28. Alex Dee wrote:: I work a four day week and really like it. However it took a little adjustment and commitment on the my part to make it work. I think it would work for many (depending on your job requirements), but it isn't for everyone.
June 25, 2008 @ 8:15 AM
29. SASSY FRASS wrote:: YES!!! THIS WOULD HELP SO MUCH. I COMMUTE 25 MILES A DAY AND IT IS TAKING A BIG BITE OUT OF MY BUDGET FOR GASOLINE. THIS COULD BE DONE ON A VOLUNTARY SYSTEM. IF PEOPLE WOULD RATHER WORK 5 DAYS A WEEK THEY COULD...BUT FOR ME THIS WOULD BE A BIG SAVINGS FOR ME. STATE EMPLOYEES NEED ALL THE HELP THEY CAN GET!
June 25, 2008 @ 10:44 AM
30. Cat wrote:: I think we should be able to work 4-10 also, some could have a Monday off with weekend and some could have a Friday with a weekend. The ware and tear on your vehicles and the gas. The state does not want to do anything for the State Employees. As long as we take care of the poor and needy, and keep them looking good. I have worked for the state 25 years and what a waste.
June 25, 2008 @ 2:23 PM
31. B wrote:: I have started riding the bus to work. Gov Henry needs to help us out with some bus fare since he didn't give us a raise! Great business for public transportation. Or, is it going to be the usual. . . the state employee helps everyone, but no one wants to help the state employee.
June 25, 2008 @ 3:36 PM
32. dhogg wrote:: 10 hour days are terrible. Like someone else said, your children spend longer days in daycare and less time with the parent on a daily basis. There is not enough time spent with them now. Also, whos to say you would have Monday or Friday off. This may be staggerd due to the rest of society not on the same 10 hour schedule. Did anyone think about how many hours you work per day now? How much of you own time do you spend now trying to stay caught up? You may have longer days, with the 10 hours, but believe it or not you do not get more work done in those 10 hour days than you do in 8 hour days.
June 26, 2008 @ 3:22 AM
33. Been There and Done it! wrote:: We worked 4 10's at our facility. We had coverage 5 days a week. Half the staff was off Monday's the other half on Friday's. Due to working Offenders we were able to get 40 to 45 hours a week from them. Staff covered supervision of offenders on other staff's day off. We were able to accomplish more. Weeks that had a holiday in them everyone worked 8 hours aday, due to holidays being paid on an 8 hour a day system. (example) Monday is holiday, all staff worked Tuesday thru Friday for 8 hours making a 40 hour week. Friday off meant a 4 day weekend prior to the holiday but a 2 day weekend following the holiday. There is some give and take. I have known some that filled out leave slips for 2 hours to make up the difference on the 8 hours given for a holiday. I have critters that have to be fed in the winter and it is an inconvience, espcially on snow and ice, and in the dark. but the beneifits far exceed the inconvience.
The 4 10's were far more productive at work. It always takes acertain amount of time to get started and shut down everyday and 4 10's allows for more time to work between start ups and shut downs.
June 26, 2008 @ 2:14 PM
34. Mark wrote:: For this to be successful, it must be voluntary. It will work for some, but not for others. A 4 day work week will be great, but is it worth the extra 2 hours each day? It is for some people. I myself don't think it's worth it, especially in the winter. But, I think it should be considered as an option offered to all state employees.
June 27, 2008 @ 8:46 AM
35. Theresa Murphy wrote:: Its a great idea but I don't see how it can possibly be worked in the county offices. If the shift becomes 10 hour, even with workers rotating days off, the office would have to stay open longer hours to accommidate the clients. Also, scheduling appointments that are as standards require "convienent to the client" will become an issue.
June 27, 2008 @ 8:55 AM
36. Diana wrote:: Please do everything you can to help us with a 4 day work week. It only makes good sense with the price of gas! I'm sure there are some people that would not want to put in extra time every day but I know for me, it would would be like that bonus we never got by saving me driving 1 day a week. My day is already primarily devoted to work each and if I were able to take 1 day off on a rotating basis, it would such a blessing.
When considering the turn over of state workers, this may be the way to solve the problem.
June 27, 2008 @ 1:09 PM
37. bulldog wrote:: ten hour days are nice for fridays off. but all family and church events happen more than not within the hours you would have to work if you went four days a week. this summer i have had to miss my grandaughters soccer games,some church events and been hard pressed to do my banking/bills if we were called out on fridays to clean storm damage.
also 10 hours a day in an airconditioned pickup or office is a lot easier to work than if you have a flagging paddle in your hand working traffic control in abnormal heat conditions.
contrary to what some say i don't think four day work week will save fuel for anyone the day they have off they will be driving on personel time more shopping etc...
June 27, 2008 @ 7:36 PM
38. Renee wrote:: Everybody spends time on shopping & errands. The issue here is not when you do your errands but whether pay for two extra commutes to your state job.
June 28, 2008 @ 9:16 AM
39. bulldog wrote:: all i am saying is everyone says the benefit would save gas but if you are driving to shop an extra day of the week then you're not saving, and 10 hours a day on a road crew is 5 more hours a week working in the hottest part of the day, which is harder than in an airconditioned environment,plus puts hardships on the church and family things that some like to do.
June 29, 2008 @ 8:08 AM
40. AH wrote:: I think we should be given a choice. If some want to work the 10 hour days, then let them, if not then they don't have to. I'm all for the 10 hour days, but my child is grown. About the errands. People would have a whole day off to do errands on........
June 30, 2008 @ 7:29 AM
41. Paul Wolf wrote:: I would be all for letting individual employees select an option of 4 10 hour days each week . I do not drive , but I come to Oklahoma City from Norman on a Metro Transit bus. Given the bus schedule , I could not work a full 40 hour week in four days , but I'm happy with the cost (a $50.00/month pass , or $2.25 each way) to ride this bus , even if it means working a 5 day week. There is also a Metro Transit bus route that comes from Edmond. Check it all out at www.gometro.org . Maybe some of us who are interested in this option could mention the state agencies helping out an employee who uses this service with a financial incentive of some sort.
June 30, 2008 @ 11:56 AM
42. EWade wrote:: The 4 10 hr. days would be good for the clients that are working 8 hr. days. If one car, one working parent famiy get off work early enough, they can participate in services they have not been able to get to due to transportation. Both parents can help with the family and make our jobs easier instead on mom bringing all the children with her or depending on public transportation to get all the children there alone. We're looking to open a late clinic to help increase our participation. why not make it a normal occurance. We are there to serve.
July 1, 2008 @ 4:41 PM
43. Stacy wrote:: The higher cost of gas not only hurts state workers, but everyone. But more so for state workers who do not get a cost of living raise or any raise for that matter. Not only gas is high, but groceries have gone up, and everything else that seems to trickle down to the consumer. I have a family of 4 and it is getting harder to make ends meet, it seems to be too much of the end of the month before the end of the money. Grant it a raise would help more, but at this point, I'll take a 4 day work week, anything will help.
July 2, 2008 @ 8:50 AM
44. A wrote:: A four-day work week at ODOT-probably not. The director and division engineers have use of state vehicles and state gas and diesel, which by the way, we are paying for with our taxes. How could they possibly know what it is like to have to pay for gas?

The slot that I was in and with the pay that I got I was having problems at $2.00/gal. My roundtrip was approximately 75 miles. I personally think that upper management is masochistic and enjoys employees struggling. After all, the harder things are the harder people work, just hoping to possibly move up the ladder, but that won't happen either.

I realize some facilities could not shut down completely, but then again schedules could be staggered, This could be accomplished with some thought.
July 6, 2008 @ 11:56 AM
45. tom tom wrote:: The heck with a four day work week, pay the employees what they are worth. This is a losers game and will lead to a long and steady road to less and less.
July 6, 2008 @ 3:14 PM
46. Long time discontented employee wrote:: I personally think most supervisors are masochistic followers & they want their employees to be just like them. They want everyone to struggle constantly but only once in a blue moon is there ever a promotion. This leads to backbiting & fighting between employees in every tier in employment. I don't get why nobody notices dumbing down doesn't help anybody. A** kissing doesn't help. What would help is for employees to exhibit healthy self esteem & to get a pay raise. I don't know if the idea is just to attract suckups who will accept any crumb but that is not going to serve the people of Oklahoma in any good way. We need a raise & the 4 day week is a way to try to keep things together until we get one.
July 6, 2008 @ 6:43 PM
47. Mark wrote:: A FOUR DAY WORK WEEK WILL NOT HELP IF YOU DRIVE A 40 MILE ROUND TRIP TO AND FROM WORK GAS IS $4GALLION AND YOU GET 20 MILES TO A GALLON ONE LESS DAY OF WORK IS A $8 SAVINGS THE OFFICE IS NOW OPEN 50 HRS WEEK NOT FORTY SO YOU EXPECTED TO DO 20% MORE WORK IN THE SAME 40HR WEEK AT NO INCREASE IN PAY
THIS IS JUST A CHEAP WAY OF NOT GIVING US THE PAY RAISE WE DESERVE
July 7, 2008 @ 8:19 AM
48. Concerned Parent wrote:: What are we willing to trade for an $8 savings per week? It would certainly not make up for the 3 hours/day of quality time I get to spend with my school-age children now by working an 8-hour day. My commute is a minimum of 30 minutes, so let's do the math: drop them off at 7:30 (our school's before-care doesn't start until 7:30), arrive at work at 8:00, 10 hours plus lunch gets you to 7:00, return to pick kids up at 7:30 (after school care closes at 6:00, so I'd have to find and pay at least $40/wk for a babysitter from 6:00-7:30), get home at 7:40, bedtime is 8:30. What a nightmare! A 10-hour day will definitely not work for me. I hope it's optional or it looks like I'll be forced to cut my work hours (which currently isn't allowed at my agency).
July 7, 2008 @ 10:00 AM
49. Been There Done That wrote:: This is not about a pay raise, this is about helping to get by until the economy settles down or up in this case. A pay raise in this economy is out of the question. I agree we as employees have gotten the short end of the stick. I can understand why. When state employee's are so divided, chances of making changes are very limited. They don't want to ever give something different a chance, neither do they want to give or take. I agree we've done more than are share of giving. 4 10's are not for everyone. I have 2 second jobs and it is a big help to me. I drive 20 miles one way, basically $8.00 a day or $32.00 a month. I just ask don't knock it till you've tried it. I thought the same as some of the others until I had been there and done it.
July 7, 2008 @ 10:19 AM
50. AJ wrote:: I believe this should optional. To some it would help and I am all for that. Then for others it wouldn't help, therefore it should be optional. I understand that the "survey" says 95% say they are for it, but does that mean they want to do it? I know it was offered 2 weeks ago at our agency and out of about 50-60 people, 1 person said they would do it...ONE PERSON...I am for it if it is optional. I know for those that commute it would help, but for others like myself, it would be a nightmare.I would have to find someone to pickup my child after daycare closed then pay them until I got home, which would be just in time to bath, and put to bed my child. A few dollars a day is not worth missing my baby's childhood. Where as others it would be more beneficial. As long as it is optional I am for it to help.
July 7, 2008 @ 3:22 PM
51. DIANA wrote:: MY AGENCY ALREADY ALLOWS A FOUR DAY WORK WEEK AND/OR FLEX TIME AND IT HAS DEFINITELY SAVED ME MONEY IN GAS. EVEN WITH THAT SAVINGS I HAD TO MOVE TO OKLAHOMA CITY BECAUSE I COULD NOT AFFORD
TO BUY GAS OR PAY FOR FOOD, UTILITIES, ETC. IT IS
SAD THAT SO MANY STATE EMPLOYEES HAVE TO WORK AT TWO JOBS JUST TO GET BY. IT IS EVEN SADDER THAT I
HAD TO MOVE FROM MY HOMETOWN OF NORMAN, OK JUST TO
TRY TO SURVIVE IN OKC.
July 7, 2008 @ 5:02 PM
52. Boomer wrote:: I think a four day work week would be great for employee moral, studies show that employees are more productive while at work and less likely to abuse sick time. I already work a flex schedule and love it and my job. The City government where I live have already adopted the four day work week. Its definitely worth a try!
July 7, 2008 @ 5:18 PM
53. Be Fair To All wrote:: I too drive round trip 114 miles a day with a cost close to $400.00 a month. The cost could mean the difference in my family having food on the table. The four day work week would be ideal for me. The problem is I have been instructed by upper management not too mention any type of work adjusting in any shape or form. Upper management refer's to anyone who talks about it as a disgruntled employee. Why don't they give each staff member a chance to choose if they want to participate in a four day week and schedule staff to fit the situation. At the facility (DOC)where I work we can't even adjust to accomidate for doctor's appointments. My family has had several medical situation's and it seems that upper management could care less in helping one maintain their sick/annual leave but expect you to continue building one's leave. I was instructed that if it doesn't benefit the facility they won't accomidate you in any way or shape. Yes, the moral at the facility is very low. It seems that most staff work just for their pay check. Upper management has forgotten what it is like to be the little guy. I think you will find most state employee's willing to go the extra mile if they felt that upper mangement was giving in return.
July 7, 2008 @ 10:07 PM
54. Thomas Kalayilparampil wrote:: It is a great idea. But the decision has to come from the Governor or the Legislators to declare a 4 day work week. It will be beneficial to our customers and workers to have a 10 hour/4 day work week. It should be optional for State Agencies to work out a feasible plan. Thanks!
July 8, 2008 @ 8:32 AM
55. Thomas Kalayilparampil wrote:: July 8, 2008 @ 8:37 AM
56. Grandma Janie wrote:: I commute 150 miles daily to work roundtrip. I also work at a DHS office where everyone works 4-10 (most work one weekend day) and holidays are when you have a scheduled day off. My biggest complaint is when holiday pay is credited, we only get 8 hours. If we take the day off, we must use annual or other leave to cover the other 2 hours.
I know this situation isn't for everyone and it's hard to keep up things at home and have time for family. This is about budgeting your time as well as your $$$. I'm receiving shift differential for working my shift and I can certainly use the extra cash. I cut my gas expense by 50% by driving a smaller more economic vehicle to work and using my "guzzler" for special trips.
Folks this economic situation isn't going away and unfortunately most of us aren't prepared for it. My 457 retirement account has dropped $1100 in the past 1 month. I can't afford to retire and I'm grateful that I have a job to come to and caring coworkers to support me when I'm down.
We should all be looking at who is supporting us in the Legislature and becoming a big whopping force to deal with come election day!!
July 8, 2008 @ 8:40 AM
57. Slyboots wrote:: No thanks!!!! I do not want or need to be at my office more than 8 hours a day. My grandchildren need to be picked up as early as I can get there for them as well. Children do not need to stay in daycare more.
In my job tele-commuting should be an option. I don't see the public and almost all my job is done on computer, fax and phone. I could come in once a week and do my filing, come to meetings whatever.
This would also help with building up sick leave. I could certainly work at home even on those days when I have contagious viruses like bad colds or the like. Believe me. The state would get it's money's worth if I could work from home instead.
July 8, 2008 @ 8:46 AM
58. Diana H wrote:: Paul Wolf says he uses the Norman Express to get to work.
I live in Edmond and have tried to use the Edmond Express. It leaves at 7:12 and gets downtown 7:35. I am supposed to be at work at 7:30 on N Classen. So that would change my morning commute time. Then in the afternoon the bus here would not get me to the transfer station in time to catch the bus back to Edmond. So sadly that is not feasible.
The 4 day work week will not work for me either. Telecommuting is the way to solve this.
July 8, 2008 @ 8:52 AM
59. T. Pursell wrote:: I would work at four day work week...7am to 6pm..in a heartbeat.
July 8, 2008 @ 8:56 AM
60. anon wrote:: I am trying to consider the pros and cons of the 4/10. As Pam wrote on 6/24: "Sounds like everyone will be driving all around town that day running errands and using more gas!" What about workers who are on call periodically or who are responsible for their own workload if an emergency comes up? You may still end up working on your days off (and this happens now with a 5 day work week). I believe most daycares are open 6am-6pm, so this is a concern for single parents who don't have a spouse to pick up their child(ren). This message board has given me more pros/cons to consider. Just something to think about. Does anyone know if the 4/10 will be optional or mandatory? I haven't read that anywhere yet, but based on posts here it seems it is not yet decided.
July 8, 2008 @ 11:05 AM
61. mjo wrote:: I live in a rural area and drive approximately 40 miles round trip. I would save a less than 2 gallons of gas a week which in no way or form makes up for the lack of a pay raise!! The only way this would save the state money so they could fund a pay raise, would be to have all state office open only 4 days per week. If the money saved by the state were to go into state employees pay, then I am interested. Otherwise, forget it!
July 8, 2008 @ 11:10 AM
62. Paul Wolf wrote:: Right you are , Diana H.
Telecommuting can be a major part of the mix in terms of the possible options that can be useful in solving the problems. Many state agencies expect employees to be on call (without extra pay) and be able to telecommute from home in order to handle their responsibilites during off hours. So why couldn't they ALLOW telecommuting instead of only EXPECTING it? Also , maybe we bus riders could submit that the state could be more proactive for its employees to have more flexible bus and public transportation access.

Paraphrasing an old folk song , (originally about food) , "we go to work to earn the money to buy the gas to get to work to earn the money to buy the gas to get to work to earn the money..."
July 8, 2008 @ 11:26 AM
63. Rosanne wrote:: We need to use the technology that we have and allow workers to work from home if it is feasible. Even if you are out on sick leave or an extended leave you could do work from home. We waste a lot of time driving back and forth to the office anyway. Lots of companies are going to at home workers and I know that some of the counties have started doing this and it is being successful. But that doesn't mean we don't need a raise. We still are doing the work!!!!!
July 8, 2008 @ 11:32 AM
64. Diane M. O'Brien wrote:: I work for Payne County Health Dept. and I am totaly in favor of the four day work week because I would not have to take off work for my doctors appointments. I also have six other people that are in favor of the four day work week also and one has to drive quite a ways to come in to work.
July 8, 2008 @ 11:59 AM
65. FattCatt wrote:: They can meet till they are blue in the face. If, Gov. Henrey does not pass a mandate then here at ODOT no one will be given the chance to work 4/10's

When the Administration and the Director make over $5000.00 a month why would they care, they make enough to afford gas and to hell with the rest of us.

Gary Ridley and the staff below him are mean, heartless and inconsiderate. We are going broke just by trying to get to work.

>*x*<
July 8, 2008 @ 12:02 PM
66. BLJ wrote:: We just need options, either 4/10; telecommute; or use the already approved adjusted work week.
I want a raise, I want to be paid what I'm worth, I want a good living wage.

In November it will be time to act with your vote and be seriouse about it. Check the OK Legislative and Senate sites to see how your public servant supports you OR doesn't support you.
July 8, 2008 @ 1:15 PM
67. Tanya wrote:: I completely agree with those who have commented on how difficult a 4/10 week would be on those with children in day care or in school activities. My other strong objection is a political one: OPEA gives the anti-state employee crowd a powerful weapon by pushing the flexible work week. How many legislators will say, "no need for a pay raise. They got a 4-day work week instead?" Telecommuting is even worse. Why have Oklahomans telecommute when you can have "telecommuters" in Bangaladore or Singapore? The proponents of privatization must be licking their chops and smirking as the employee association falls right in line with them.
July 8, 2008 @ 1:21 PM
68. Gary wrote:: I would be for a ten hour four day week if it were optional. For me working an eight hour five day week works much better because it allows me to participate in many of the important things in life like attending basketball games and other school functions for my grand children. I am also on a strict regimen of working out four times a week as ordered by my doctor for health reasons. A ten hour day would all but elliminate my being able to work out during the week. Have you considered that child care for a ten hour day might be more expensive so you might not save anything on child care, and instead of being able to run some errands after work on an eight hour day you might be spending your Friday's running around instead after workin four ten hour days. Where's the savings?
July 8, 2008 @ 3:08 PM
69. Arafel51 wrote:: I work for the OTC and as an employee worked 10 hr/4 day weeks for 10 yrs. and loved it. I took a supervisor position (assured I could keep the same schedule) only to have it removed as an option within weeks of taking the job. What is up with that? I am still a classified employee and hope this schedule can be adopted by all that would like it. It saved me from using leave for dr. apts., car repair, etc., gave me time with my elderly mom,and saved me money.
July 8, 2008 @ 3:54 PM
70. Been There Done That wrote:: Those of you, who have never worked 4 10's have not seen the benefits. 8-5 is 9 hours, 1 for lunch. 6:30 to 5:00 is 10 1/2 hours 30 minutes for lunch. Holidays pays 8 hours so work the other 4 days in that week 8 hours and you have 40 hours no leave used or required. One holiday 8 hours and 4 other days that week 8 hours totals 40 hours. 8 hours a day and 1 hour for lunch is 9 hours times 5 is 45 hours aweek. 10 hours a day plus 30 minutes for lunch is 10 1/2 hours time 4 is 42 hours aweek saving your 3 hours a week, plus all day Friday. Do the Math.
July 8, 2008 @ 4:57 PM
71. Little Joe wrote:: I agree with FattCatt, ODOT Senior Staff seems to think we must be open 5 days per week. Why, I do not know. If the whole agency shut down on Fridays, we would still be contacted for emergencies just like on Sat., Sun. or Holidays. There is no difference!! We have no '24 hour' operations. We do work around the clock for snow and ice, but that's just a couple weeks per year at the most. FattCatt your point was well made, but the Director makes a lot closer to $10,000 per Month!!!!!!!!! Our only chance in the Central Office is a declaration by the Govoner.
July 8, 2008 @ 10:35 PM
72. Mac wrote:: Amen BLJ, everyone must do some homework to see who is going to help us.
July 8, 2008 @ 11:14 PM
73. Awakened Electorate wrote:: Where's the survey?
July 9, 2008 @ 9:17 AM
74. State worker wrote:: I am not in favor of the 4 day work week. I would have to leave my house by 5:00am to deliver my children and count on someone else to ensure my children get to school. At the present time I work hours that let me drop my kids off at school and still get to work. If the 4 day work week were to take effect I would have to find other arrangements and help pay someone elses gas to transport my children.

Also if I were off on Friday's I am sure I would be using my gas as much if not more that I do during a normanl work week. I just don't think people are seeing the big picture on this issue!
July 9, 2008 @ 11:21 AM
75. star wrote:: Well, a 4 day is an option.. but like me I have a child in Day care ... 9 hours I am here (including Lunch) .. Day care well, pardon me DHS ... considers a child abandoned after 10 hours, and it is reportable. So how do you get over the fact children aren't allowed in daycare over 10 hours?

I am for it in some.. but it should be an option.. DOC management can be ridiculus sometimes, they aren't in it for the employees... 12 hour shifts .. just like Nurses at hospitals would work for Correcional Staff.. problem though people will start playing the 'that's not fair game'.

I mean our own state agencies work against us sometimes.
July 9, 2008 @ 11:42 AM
76. New Cat wrote:: I think the ODOT Senior Staff should step up to the plate and at least make the 4/10's an option to the employees who can or would benefit from not having to commute to Oklahoma City 5 days a week. A 20% savings per week on gas would very helpful.
July 10, 2008 @ 9:13 AM
77. Richard wrote:: For those of us who work in offices, the 4-10's would be wonderful. How about if we close the offices one day per week. Everyone takes the same day off, either Monday or Friday. The people we serve will get used to it and plan their days accordingly. Besides, we will be open an extra 2 hours per day the other 4 days per week. This could be even MORE convenient for them. Other states have done this with great success. The main reason is that with the decreased cost of lights, etc, the State would save money. As for using the lights at home, I do not need them outside or while I sleep. More time to do what I need to do on Friday and really spend Saturday with my family.
July 10, 2008 @ 10:17 AM
78. MEB. wrote:: First, I will be shocked if this actually shows up as my last two entries have "mysteriously" disappeared. OK, the first time I blogged on this particula thread, I was not aware of the fact that OPEA was requesting it be voluntary. And, referring to another employee who called my concerns "petty." I beg to differ, but the potential of being kidnpapped, raped and killed becuase I had to make an emergency trip to Wal-Mart after work to buy food for my pets is not what I call "petty." They are my family. I can never have children becuase of cancer. Go there on my lunch break? If it wouldn't take an hour just to shop during that time. But, I don't want to take AL just to cover my late arrival back to work becuase of the time it would take to get to the store, find a parkiing spot, walk a mile into the store, push through the crowd, stand in line for over 15 or 20 minutes, walk a mile back to my car, and then spend another 15 or 20 minutes just driving back to work.

And those with children who have day care concerns? They have legitimate concerns. I used to work day care. Day Care is expensive as it is, and anytime a parent goes past the pickup time, they get charged for it. Regardless how many days a child is in daycare, the parent still has to pay for a full week. The price of day care alone is astronomical.
July 11, 2008 @ 7:51 AM
79. B wrote:: Interesting, the way some are attacking others here for what sound to me, like legitimate concerns. I would never call another persons' issues "petty." A single woman, forced to do her shopping after dark, is very much in danger of being kidnapped raped and killed. Apparently, some people don't read the papers or watch the news.

Parents with children in day care, for that matter, have to pay for a full week, regardless of how many days a child goes to the daycare. Plus, if a parent is late picking up thier child, they have another fee tacked on to the already huge daycare bill.
July 11, 2008 @ 7:57 AM

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