Duma Labor Chair Says Six-Day Workweek Is Not Under Consideration

Overview

• Academician Gennady Onishchenko urged a nationwide shift to a six-day schedule, claiming it would not harm public health and would help the economy.
• Yaroslav Nilov, who leads the State Duma committee on labor, said the committee is not discussing a six-day week and there is no draft bill on the issue.
• Nilov argued a longer week would burden workers’ health and said policy should encourage more personal time to benefit longevity and demographics.
• He pointed to proposals under consideration that include six-hour workdays, shortened Fridays, and specific reductions for groups such as large families and single householders.
• Labor Minister Anton Kotyakov previously noted that employers and employees may agree on various schedules, including four- or six-day weeks, without a national mandate.