Russian lawmakers want to shorten the Friday workday for women

Russian senators have proposed shortening the Friday workday exclusively for women. According to Valery Ryazansky, the chairman of the Federation Council’s committee on social policy, Russian lawmakers are prepared to consider making such a recommendation to local governments, pending a request from Russia’s Civic Chamber.

Vladimir Slepak, a committee chairman in the Civic Chamber, has said he supports the initiative, promising to petition lawmakers soon with a formal proposal. “If we decide to protect our women, granting additional opportunities to our families, many problems will be solved,” Slepak explained. “We’re familiar with many kinds of support, such as subsidies for families with multiple children, as well as other programs. [...] Let it be extra time that will be dedicated to the family.”

Though Slepak addresses concerns about the family, the shortened Friday workday would apparently affect all women, whether or not they are mothers.

“For women, a full workload is undoubtedly a heavy burden. That’s why a more flexible schedule would be entirely appropriate. Right now we’re trying to study their experience, and if necessary we’ll recommend [reduce Friday workdays for women]. The labor regulations for this already exist, and the regional governments already have the authority to institute it,” Ryazansky told Russian News Service radio.