Shelton Proposes 4/10 State Workweek
A 4/10 workweek for state employees? That's what Oklahoma City Democrat Mike Shelton suggests to help employees cope with high gas prices.
In a column released today, Shelton writes, "According to the state 'Open Books' Web site, Oklahoma government employed 33,517 in 2005. Assuming 80 percent of those employees drive alone, have a 32-mile round trip each day and get about 21 miles to the gallon, state workers would use 40,859 gallons of fuel each day.
"As a result, if we reduce work-related driving by 20 percent through a flex-time schedule, those workers would save a combined $149,000 per week at the current price of $3.65 per gallon of fuel.
"Annually, state employees would save $7.75 million annually at current fuel prices if flex time was implemented across the board in state government. That’s money that will then be spent on other needs such as food and clothing and help hard-working families stretch their dollars further.
"My proposal would not mean state agencies would be open only Monday through Thursday. Agencies would still have the flexibility to arrange work schedules so government services are properly maintained. Some employees could have Monday off, or Friday, or any day midweek.
In a column released today, Shelton writes, "According to the state 'Open Books' Web site, Oklahoma government employed 33,517 in 2005. Assuming 80 percent of those employees drive alone, have a 32-mile round trip each day and get about 21 miles to the gallon, state workers would use 40,859 gallons of fuel each day.
"As a result, if we reduce work-related driving by 20 percent through a flex-time schedule, those workers would save a combined $149,000 per week at the current price of $3.65 per gallon of fuel.
"Annually, state employees would save $7.75 million annually at current fuel prices if flex time was implemented across the board in state government. That’s money that will then be spent on other needs such as food and clothing and help hard-working families stretch their dollars further.
"My proposal would not mean state agencies would be open only Monday through Thursday. Agencies would still have the flexibility to arrange work schedules so government services are properly maintained. Some employees could have Monday off, or Friday, or any day midweek.
posted by Mike McCarville @ 2:51 PM
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