(April 30, 2009) Given the current economic situation and reduced competitiveness, employers and employees yesterday called on a Senate policy committee to change workplace laws to permit flexible schedules that include four-day workweeks for individual workers desiring a balance between work and personal lives.

Senator Benoit (R-Bermuda Dunes)

Despite overwhelming support from employers, employees, and sponsorship from 103 local chambers of commerce, the Senate Labor and Industrial Relations Committee rejected California Chamber of Commerce-sponsored SB 187 (Benoit; R-Bermuda Dunes) on a party line vote of 2-4.

SB 187, a CalChamber “job creator” bill would have established a voluntary, employee-driven process where the employees could have requested and their employer could have mutually agreed to, a four-day compressed workweek schedule. If the employer agreed to the proposed four-day workweek schedule, the four-day workweek would be paid at straight time rates. Any work performed beyond the compressed work schedule would have remained subject to current California overtime requirements.

Testimony Highlights Need for Flexible Schedules

In testimony to the committee Kerry Pendergast, president of Premier Service Bank in Riverside, highlighted the employee protections contained in SB 187 and explained how this balanced approach would benefit both employers and employees, all while providing an opportunity to address work/life balance issues.

Kerry Pendergast, president of Premier Service Bank in Riverside

“Increased scheduling flexibility in this ever-changing and volatile economy will help us compete for years to come,” said Pendergast, who was also representing the Corona Chamber of Commerce. “It is also clear that employers will stand to benefit from the passage of SB 187 because it will translate into increased employee productivity while at the same time creating more flexibility for those very same employees. Doing more with less in today’s economy is what has kept our businesses strong and our key members employed.”

In his closing remarks, Pendergast told the committee that SB 187 gives employees and businesses the balanced approach to solving the dire need for employee scheduling flexibility.

Cynthia Schneider, senior vice president American Security Bank in Corona

Cynthia Schneider, senior vice president of American Security Bank in Corona, also emphasized the opportunity that SB 187 offers to identify and manage the often-conflicting demands of work/life and family issues in these extremely challenging economic times.

“I truly believe that SB 187 represents a viable solution to this problem,” Schneider said. “I am convinced that SB 187 is an effective, welcome solution to the work/life challenges of both employers and employees.”

Most importantly, Schneider reiterated that SB 187 would provide the flexibility that would “create the environment in the workplace that would balance the things like family conflicts and health issues -- the things that matter most to the employee -- with the things that are critical to the employer: retention of employees and the ability to manage schedules effectively. It’s a win-win situation for both sides.”

Key Vote

SB 187 failed to pass the Senate Labor and Industrial Relations on a party-line vote of 2-4.

Ayes: Hollingsworth (R-Murrieta), Wyland (R-Del Mar).

Noes: DeSaulnier (D-Concord), Ducheny (D-San Diego), Leno (D-San Francisco), Yee (D-San Francisco).

Staff Contact: Marti Fisher

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