Union boss calls for a four-day working week funded by higher wages and new technology

A FOUR-day week should be the norm for all workers — funded by higher wages and new technology, union boss Frances O’Grady will say Monday.

She will demand laws letting unions enter Amazon and Google offices to force up pay.

And she will insist a four-day week is the next goal for unions following victories for a two-day weekend and paid holidays in the last century.

The TUC general secretary will tell the body’s 150th anniversary conference in Manchester: “I believe we can win a four-day working week, with decent pay for everyone.

“It’s time to share the wealth from new technology. We need strong unions with the right to go into every workplace — starting with Amazon’s warehouses in the UK.”

Research by the TUC showed that most workers expect managers and shareholders will reap the benefits of new technology.

A survey of over 2,000 workers found that four out of five wanted to cut their working hours without loss of pay as new technology makes work more efficient.

The TUC says moves should be made to cut the working week to four days over the course of this century.

Employers were accused of making staff work unpredictable or unsocial hours because of an “always on” culture.

Frances O’Grady said too many firms were using technology to treat workers unfairly.

“Bosses and shareholders must not be allowed to hoover up all the gains from new tech for themselves.

“Working people deserve their fair share – and that means using the gains from new tech to raise pay and allow more time with their families,” she said.

“If productivity gains from new technology are even half as good as promised then the country can afford to make working lives better.”

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