Arguments Favor 4-Day Workweek

In response to the articles regarding the four-day workweek, I would like to make the following positive points concerning this work schedule:

First, county residents have gained access to services between the early morning hours of 7 and 8 a.m. and the late evening hours between 5 and 6 p.m. The result of this should be fewer missed hours of work and consequently more production for employers.

The county’s four-day workweek has also reduced traffic during the peak hours by approximately 2,000 vehicles. Ventura County’s population is growing and the probability is near zero that any new roads, freeways or mass transit projects will be forthcoming in the foreseeable future. More programs need to be enacted, rather than canceled, in order to alleviate a growing traffic problem.

Ventura County has some of the dirtiest air in the country. Cars idling in traffic cause the most pollution. Since those working on the four-day workweek schedule commute during non-peak hours, there is less idle time and consequently less pollution. In addition, the majority of county employees work at or near the government center and pollution from their vehicles migrates to the Conejo, Ojai and Simi valleys. Anything that can be done to alleviate this situation helps.

In addition, estimates have shown that the productivity levels of a four-day workweek can exceed those of a standard five-day workweek.

The four-day workweek is an easy target because it is different, and it is sad to think that this is the predominant issue in the current political campaigns for county supervisor. The county of Ventura needs to continue to be a leader in innovation in resolving the area’s problems.

ANDREW KISH

Oxnard