Work week will not be shortened

The government yesterday voted down Javnaðarflokkurin’s bill to shorten the work week.

After examination by the Rules Committee since 3 Septermber, the bill was voted on in Parliament yesterday.

According to the Rules Committee majority, consisting of coalition members, it is not a tradition in our neighbouring countries to regulate the length of the work week by law.

The committee majority said there is insufficient information about what consequences a shortened work week will have on economic sustainability and competitiveness.

Employers also critical

In September, The Faroese Employers’ Union criticised the bill, arguing that the industry will not benefit from a shorter work week as the bill seeks to shorten the work week without lowering wages accordingly.

The union added that the Faroese 40-hour work week, which includes lunch breaks, is essentially the same as Denmark’s 37-hour week, which does not include lunch breaks.

Translated by prosa.fo