The Ukrainian Railways joint-stock company (Ukrzaliznytsia) may introduce a four-day workweek on July 1 if the coronavirus pandemic and quarantine continue.
Ukrzaliznytsia announced this in a statement, the CFTS portal reports.
The relevant decision was made at a meeting of Ukrzaliznytsia’s board and agreed with representatives of railway-industry trade unions, who were present at the meeting.
“Our main goal is to ensure the health and safety of our employees and customers. Operational and financial stability of the company while maintaining an adequate level of liquidity and preserving jobs is also our priority. The situation in the country and in the world is changing sharply and quickly. That is why Ukrzaliznytsia is already considering further measures that will be implemented if necessary. For example, the possibility of introducing … a four-day working week for workers from July 1," said Sevki Acuner, the chairman of Ukrzaliznytsia’s supervisory board.
"This decision is dictated by the goal of preserving jobs and I emphasize that it will be introduced only if the quarantine continues for an even longer period than is currently forecast, and it will enter into effect no earlier than July 2020, if at all," said Ivan Yurik, the acting board chairman of Ukrzaliznytsia.
According to the statement, Ukrzaliznytsia has already adopted a number of anti-crisis measures to ensure uninterrupted operation of the railway industry. "In particular, the company has limited the procurement of material and technical resources (services) that are not related to its core operations, reduced the consumption of diesel fuel and electricity, and suspended consideration of issues involving one-off incentives, premiums, allowances, and rent compensation etc. for workers," Ukrzaliznytsia said.
Ukrzaliznytsia’s management issued this statement after a copy of the decision on introduction of a shorter working day for the company’s employees was published in the social media.
