Operation ICE, a mobilization mission at Law Department
Union pushes for compressed workweek
By DEBORAH A. MILES
Operation ICE sounds like it could be a covert military mission. Actually, it is a PEF mobilization effort at the state Department of Law to expand the compressed workweek program.
An acronym for “inform, communicate, educate,” Operation ICE is designed to apprise bureau chiefs of the advantages of the alternate work schedule program.
“The compressed workweek program increases morale, productivity and a longer work day without having to pay overtime,” said Al Yasus, PEF Division 187 council leader and an associate computer programmer analyst.
“We are letting people know about the program by posting information on the bulletin boards and handing out fact sheets and talking points,” said Yasus, who attended a mobilization training last year at PEF.
Program in demand
The compressed workweek program is only being offered to employees who work in the Bureau of Legal Technology at the state Attorney General’s Office, according to Yasus. At the last labor-management meeting in March, he said administrators requested more information and documentation about the program, as the union would like to see it made available to more members.
Currently, 38 people participate in the program, and PEF members from other bureaus would like to participate.
Under the program, employees may choose to work four out of five days, or nine out of 10 days. The day off is called a “pass day.”
“For employees, it cuts down on the use of sick time because they can schedule doctor appointments on their pass day,” Yasus said.
A win-win situation
“Coverage is always needed at the job,” said PEF member Joe Bogardus a data communications specialist who has been in the program since its inception more than two years ago.
“I had seniority, so I was able to choose my pass day, Friday,” he said. “The agency really benefits too. Coverage starts at 7:30 a.m. and we don’t leave until 6 or 6:30 p.m.”
However, Bogardus said the program doesn’t suit the needs of everyone. People who have school-age children and don’t like to work late, opt for the regular five-day workweek.
He said the program has created a good sense of cooperation and communication among workers, and the flexibility has increased productivity.
“We look at it as a win-win situation,” Yasus said.
Yasus hopes the efforts behind Operation ICE will melt the managers’ resistance and open the program to more members.
The
Communicator July/August 04
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