To improve productivity, especially in summer weather, Columbus Public Works Department crews Monday moved to a five-day workweek.
“I hope it”s going to actually make them more productive — not that the people don”t work,” Vice Mayor and Ward 6 Councilman Bill Gavin said of moving the Public Works Department crews to a five-day schedule. “There”s no question of (people not working). The temperatures are very, very hot. But probably after 12 p.m. or 1 p.m., my productivity slows down after that time, because it”s just so hot. It”s not a question the guys aren”t working hard; it”s just the heat. Hopefully, spreading out that (work) over five days, their bodies will be fresher and they”ll get more done.
“I don”t know if it will be temporary or permanent yet,” he added of the schedule change. “We hope it”s for their benefit, as well as productivity. I know employees like having a four-day workweek, which I can fully understand. But city employees, like the council or mayor, are here to serve the people of Columbus and if it takes five days a week to do it, that”s what it takes.”
During a retreat for city officials July 19, the Columbus City Council expressed concerns of under-performing Public Works crews and Ward 3 Councilman Charlie Box suggested the longer workweek.
“I”ve been for (a longer workweek) and hoping we could get it done,” Box said Monday. “I think it”s a no-brainer really. We just need to get back on a regular schedule and get our productivity up.”
Since July 2008, city employees in all departments — except police officers, firefighters and the Trotter Convention Center staff — have been working from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.
Box would like to see all city departments move back to a five-day workweek.
“People work on a five-day workweek and I get complaints all the time, especially from people trying to get building permits,” he explained. “Now, you can”t get anything done on a Friday. Eventually, I hope we all go back to (a five-day workweek), but I”m sensing some resistance to it.”
“We”ll have to see how it works out,” Ward 5 Councilman Kabir Karriem said of the five-day workweek. “I am one that believes City Hall should be open five days a week, to make it accessible for people to do business. Whether that”s for all departments, the jury”s still out, for me.”
Columbus Mayor Robert Smith, Ward 1 Councilman Gene Taylor, Ward 2 Councilman Joseph Mickens and Ward 4 Councilman Fred Stewart could not be reached for comment.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 46 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 46 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
