Seven-Hour Workday in Montenegro: Revolution or Illusion?
Is Montenegro really close to adopting a seven-hour workday, or is it just another empty promise? The Prime Minister recently announced that the country is on the brink of introducing a workday of only seven hours. Sounds like a dream, right? Less work, more life! But hold on — employers and unions still can’t agree, and citizens are more divided than ever.
Workers Want Fewer Hours, But Higher Pay
In Europe, some countries have long adopted shorter workweeks, and people generally love the idea. Workers say, “Give us fewer hours, but don’t forget the pay must stay the same or go up!” Makes sense — who wants to work less for less money? But in Montenegro, where wages are already low, this dilemma is even bigger.
Is Seven Hours Enough?
Many citizens say seven hours is plenty, especially women who juggle household chores, kids, and shopping. “When I work seven hours, I have time for myself and my family,” says one worker. But some argue people will quickly get used to it and still work the same, just less motivated.
Unions and Employers at Odds
Unions claim a seven-hour workday would be a huge step toward better work-life balance. Workers would be more productive and less exhausted. On the other hand, employers say it’s not the right time for such a change. In sectors like hospitality and construction, cutting hours could mean extra costs and organizational headaches.
European Examples: France and Scandinavia
France is famous for its 35-hour workweek, about seven hours a day. Workers there say they have time to travel, cook, and enjoy life. If they work more than 35 hours, they get paid 25% extra. So the choice is theirs — more money or more free time.
Scandinavian countries are even stricter with shorter work hours and are known as welfare states. Their model shows shorter work hours can go hand in hand with high productivity and quality of life.
What’s Next for Montenegro?
While unions and employers keep arguing, citizens remain confused and divided. Will Montenegro manage to introduce the seven-hour workday and become a regional example? Or will it all stay at the level of announcements and empty promises? One thing is clear — time is our greatest resource, and the question is whether we’ll use it wisely.
Fun Question to End: Would you work seven hours a day for the same pay? Or would you rather work longer and earn more? Drop a comment and let’s see who’s for and who’s against — and remember, this topic could set the internet on fire!
