In Victorian times the six day working week was common(although regular employment was less so). Sunday was a day off and for some artisanal workers so was ‘Saint Monday’.
The fight for the eight hour day and a limit to working hours was prolonged but it was eventually won. Of course the pattern of working life varies, and many will work at least some weekends, but with other days off in lieu.
Of course employers constantly seek ways to increase the exploitation of workers as much as unions resist.
Recent statements suggest a new offensive is underway.
Elon Musk is the unelected co-chair of what will become the Department of Government Efficiency in the US in January. He has advertised for people to work in the department for 80 hours a week unpaid. The independently and idle wealthy may apply. He also said that any US Government employee who does not work five days a week in the office will be sacked. Reports suggest that many of those employees who don’t come to the office are services veterans with impediments. Jacob Rees Mogg supports Musk although his new TV series seems to feature him mainly at his Somerset Mansion.
Probably more serious than Musk Narayana Murthy founder of InfoSys and Rishi Sunak’s father in law has extolled the virtues of the 70 hour week and complained that a move in India from a six to a five day working week. The International Labour Organisation has noted that Indians already work longer hours than many in Western European economies.
The answer to Musk and Murthy: join a union
Leave a Reply