Duma Labor Chief Says Six-Day Workweek Not Under Discussion

Overview

• Yaroslav Nilov, who leads the State Duma labor committee, said the panel is not considering a six-day schedule and that no draft law exists on the issue.
• Nilov argued against introducing a longer week, calling it a strain on the body and saying people should have more time for family, health, and leisure to support longevity and demographics.
• Academician Gennady Onishchenko had urged a return to a six-day workweek, asserting it would not harm citizens’ health and would help the economy.
• Labor Minister Anton Kotyakov previously noted that employers and employees can agree to various schedules, including four- or six-day weeks, under existing rules.
• According to Nilov, lawmakers are reviewing initiatives to cut the workday to six hours, reduce Friday hours, and provide targeted reductions for groups such as large families and single parents.