Portugal tests the practice of 4 days a week

The leftist government in Portugal announced that the pilot to work 4 days a week starts today in up to 100 companies.

Ana Mendes Godinho, Minister of Labor, Social Welfare and Solidarity, pointed out that as of the decree that entered into force on June 5, the practice of reducing weekly work to 4 days for employers and workers who want to participate voluntarily began, without affecting their wages.

In the information provided by the Ministry, it was reported that the budget for this program, which will have a total cost of 350,000 euros, will be covered by the Institute for Employment and Vocational Training, with the participation of some 100 companies in the pilot application of working 4 days a week, which includes reducing the weekly work week from 40 to 32.

REPORT TO THE MINISTRY

Companies participating in the pilot program will prepare a report sharing their information on topics such as productivity, intermediate costs, and the well-being of company employees and staff before, during, and after the practice of working 4 days a week. with the ministry. .

The Portuguese government does not grant any advantages or subsidies and leaves the companies and employees participating in the pilot program to make their own decisions.

THE FIRST COUNTRY WAS BELGIUM

In November 2022, Belgium was one of the first countries to start the 4-day internship, which hit the agenda especially after the Covid-19 epidemic in Europe.

Some northern European countries, such as Sweden and Finland, are also testing these programs, while Spain began trials of working 4 days a week in 41 industrial companies earlier this year.

However, in practice in Spain, the government gives up to 200,000 euros to encourage companies to participate.

While Portugal is testing the practice of working 4 days a week in different sectors, in Spain the debate continues as to whether this will be valid for all sectors. (AA)