New York City has initiated a pilot program for a four-day workweek.
This initiative, announced on Wednesday, January 17th, is a collaboration between Mayor Eric Adams and DC 37, New York City’s largest public employee union, specifically targeting city employees who are unable to work remotely.
The union currently boasts over 20,000 employees engaged in remote work.
Employees who choose the compressed workweek option are still required to fulfill the same number of hours as they would in a traditional five-day workweek.
Mayor Adams emphasized the progressive nature of this move, stating, “As we’re entering into a new era of work, I have always been clear that we must put equity at the heart of the discussion, and with this compressed workweek pilot, for those who do not have a remote option, we are doing just that.”
Echoing this sentiment, DC 37 Executive Director Henry Garrido highlighted the evolving landscape of work.
“We have said all along that the world of work has changed. Our commitment during contract negotiations was to offer flexible arrangements for as many of our members as possible, the majority of whom are in positions that can’t be carried out remotely due to the nature of their work,” Garrido remarked.
The workweek pilot program is scheduled to continue until May 2025, with the possibility of an extension for an additional year.
On Monday, January 22nd, Adams also unveiled an agreement reached with 911 operators and supervisors.
Under this agreement, more than 1,000 operators and supervisors, who are represented by DC 37 and Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 1180, will benefit from salary enhancements and the option for flexible workweek schedules.
Adams, in a statement, said, “When New Yorkers are in crisis, our 911 operators are the first of our first responders to support their fellow New Yorkers. And as we work to ensure New York City remains the safest big city in America, it is essential that these workers are paid fairly with good benefits.”
He added, “By allowing our 911 operators to work a more flexible [workweek] schedule, this contract will build morale, enable us to retain the best talent, and help these essential workers better assist New Yorkers during emergencies.”
The city administration has announced that these agreements, which offer improved workweek flexibility and increased compensation for employees, are aimed at bolstering employee retention and improving the dependability and efficiency of the city’s emergency service systems.
