West Hollywood : 4-Day Work Week OKd
The City Council this week approved a four-day work week for city employees as part of an effort to meet air-quality standards set by the regional Southern California Air Quality Management District.
Starting in March, City Hall will be closed every other Friday. Employees will make up the lost time by working an extra hour Monday through Thursday every week, during which time City Hall will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
It will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every other Friday.
The modified schedule will help the city meet the AQMD guidelines, which require employers of 100 or more people to meet an average rate of 1.5 riders per vehicle. Reducing the number of cars driven to work annually will help the city meet the goal. The modified schedule does not apply to maintenance workers, code enforcement officers and the city’s public works inspector. Exemptions will be granted in cases where the extended hours conflict with an employee’s medical, educational or child care needs.
City officials believe the schedule, patterned after similar ones in Santa Monica and Culver City, is the best way to meet the official requirements without sacrificing services to the public.
“In the long run, (the extended hours) may help us provide better service,” Councilwoman Abbe Land said. “With proper notification, residents will accept the change.”
The city also sponsors other programs to meet the AQMD’s guidelines, including a $45 monthly incentive to employees who do not drive to work.
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