THE EDITOR, Sir:
Outspoken priest Fr. Richard Holung stated in Saturday's Gleaner that flexi-week is against God. This is an interesting and emotive position.
According to the Bible, God worked for six days to make the created order and then he rested from that work and called it good! Resting on the seventh day did not mean doing nothing as the precept and teaching of Jesus showed that he healed people and did other good work on the Sabbath.
The government supported by the Employers Federation and interestingly, the unions, have supported flexi-week. This, it is claimed, would boost production, productivity and employment without having to pay workers double for work done on Saturdays and Sundays. These days would now be considered part of the work week. It would also enable businesses to have their equipment less idle for the week.
In addition, some workers might want to cram their 40-hour work week into four days.
Some church leaders and others are opposed to it because it could affect attendance at church services and there is no guarantee that it would create more employment when wages are low. There is also the danger that it would adversely affect family life, entertainment and sporting events.
Most parents try to spend quality time with children on the weekend when children are at home. In addition sports administrators and entertainment co-ordinators tend to organise events around the weekends when persons are relaxed and want some recreation.
There is a need for Jamaica's productivity to improve and measures to facilitate that must be explored. However, man cannot live by bread alone so the spiritual and social life of workers should not be jeopardised.
There are pros and cons concerning flexi-time. What is needed is less emotive language and a continuance of the dialogue on the issue. A survey should be done on doctors, nurses, hotel workers, pastors and other workers who are on flexi-time, to ascertain the effect on productivity, family life and recreational life.
In addition, other countries of our size and similar traditions should be analysed to examine the benefits and problems associated with flexi-week.
Research done by the late Carl Stone found that Jamaica's productivity was low. If it is to come, there should be a pilot stage when flexi-time would not be forced on any worker who is not comfortable to work on weekends and those who want flexi-time would be allowed so to do.
I am etc.,
REV. DEVON DICK
Boulevard Baptist Church
St. Andrew
