We tend to take many aspects of the conditions of work of employees for granted as if they are cast in stone. Very few employees question work-related norms that are established and seemingly unchallenged like the 8+8+8 employment formula. Recently we are seeing some countries, including Malta, which are starting to refer to this formula and are questioning it. Some foreign countries are already debating its amendments whilst others have already initiated the implementation of different models with shorter working hours or weeks - a positive development which is most welcome.
Designed to promote a balanced lifestyle, the 8-hour work formula is a time management strategy that divides the day into three equal blocks of eight hours each, hence the 8+8+8 notion. One block is dedicated to work, the second to personal life and the third to rest. In most employments, these blocks are taken in succession and in this specific order. The concept was developed by reformer Robert Owen in the early 19th century and was promoted as "eight-hour labour, eight-hour recreation and eight-hour rest". It was a revolutionary approach, which replaced extremely long workdays often consisting of shifts of 12 to 14 hours. Owen implemented the balanced work-schedule also in his mill in Scotland. The approach gave rise to trade unions advocating for shorter work hours. The most acclaimed implementation of this model was carried out by Henry Ford in his factories in 1914. It is reported that the 8+8+8 model increased productivity significantly and doubled Ford's profits. The 5-day week followed shortly, effectively solidifying the 40-hour week as a standard in US legislation in 1940.
Although the 8+8+8 formula still prevails nationally, there were some adjustments along the years particularly to balance work and rest as determined by our climate. In Malta we have some employees in the Public Service, Public and Private entities who have an adjusted formula with winter and summer versions to provide half-days in summer, and correspondingly longer days in winter. However the 40-hour work week concept is mainly still untouched. There are some exceptions with some private entities that are using a 35-38 hour weekly model as an incentive to attract and retain employees. Some of these entities have been implementing the shortened hour model with success for a number of years.
Forum Unions Maltin, the confederation of trade unions that includes MUT, in its budget position paper has proposed a shorter working-hour week. The proposal is being reproduced here:
"To align Malta with advanced European employment standards and improve quality of life, it is proposed to gradually reduce the standard working week from 40 to 36 hours, without any loss of pay, over a three-year period. The implementation should begin within the public sector and be extended to the private sector through social dialogue. This reduction would improve work-life balance, increase productivity, promote gender equality, and enhance overall health and wellbeing. Comparable practices in other EU countries include France (35 hours), Germany (34.6 hours), the Netherlands (33.2 hours), Denmark (35-37 hours), and Iceland (36 hours). A shorter working week would contribute to a healthier and more productive workforce aligned with EU norms."
In their respective budget position papers, the General Workers Union and the Union Haddiema Maghqudin - Voice of the Workers have also proposed shorter weekly working hours/shorter weeks respectively whilst the new leader of the Opposition has referred to a 4-day week proposal in one of his recent speeches.
This initial movement which challenges the 8+8+8 formula augurs well for the initiation of a national discussion - a discussion which is most welcome by trade unions and employees alike but which will surely find resistance from employers and most probably from the Government. The former have been very vociferous against it whereas the latter has already hinted that a revised model would require an increased foreign workforce. Bring on the debate!
Marco Bonnici is President of the Malta Union of Teachers