City Employees Have Mixed Feelings Regarding 4-Day Work Week

By ABC-7 Reporter Rachel Abell

EL PASO — It’s a program expected to save the city of El Paso tens of thousands of dollars but not all employees affected by the new four-day-work-week are thrilled about their new summer schedule.

Under the new plan, city employees will work Monday through Friday for ten hours

It’s not that a four day work week…Monday through Thursday…sounds bad to some city hall employees…it’s the ten hour work day that comes along with it that has them concerned.

“I have mixed feelings,” said a city employee Maria Ramos.

“There’s more pro than cons,” said Susanna Avila. Both work at the tax office in City Hall.

“I like the fact that we have fact that we have Fridays off but it’s a little bit harder working a 10 hour shift,” said Ramos.

Maria and Susanna say they’re scrambling to find child care to cover their new hours.”I have kids so it’s a special arrangement having somebody take care of the kids so many hours,” said Avila.

Still, both Susanna and Maria say they will appreciate the extra day to spend with their children.

Some are happy about the change. “I have three days to spend with them that I didn’t before,” said Norma Have. “It just gives me that free time with my family.”

That’s whyHave isa big supporter of the four-day work week. “It does just boost your morale, it makes you want to be at work.”

All of City Hall will be closed on Fridays through the end of the summer.

That includes offices for city representatives, the mayor, city attorney,municipal clerk and human resources.

The change will not affect other agencies. Police will still patrol 24/7, firefighters will still be waiting around the clock for emergencies, Sun Metro buses will remain on schedule and the trash service will nor be affected.

The zoo, museums, airport and libraries will be open during their regular hours.

Offices that are moving to the four-day-work-week will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday thru Thursday for a three month period.

The program is expected to save the city around $55,000.