Montenegro is considering the introduction of a seven-hour workday as part of legislative changes that could make it the first country in the region and Europe to do so. The government and unions are negotiating, but employers, especially in the construction and tourism sectors, express concerns about potential additional costs and the need for work reorganization. The Ministry of Labor emphasizes that shorter working hours can increase efficiency, employee satisfaction, and reduce sick leave. The proposal is part of the ruling party’s broader program, and implementation will be carefully planned with the cooperation of all relevant stakeholders.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning sources emphasize the benefits of shorter working hours for workers’ well-being, increased productivity, and alignment with modern European labor trends. They highlight the government’s initiative as progressive and beneficial for society as a whole.
Center: Centrist sources present a balanced view, acknowledging both the potential benefits of increased efficiency and worker satisfaction, and the concerns of employers about costs and feasibility, especially in sectors like tourism and construction. They stress the importance of careful planning and dialogue among all parties.
Right: Right-leaning sources focus on the economic challenges and potential negative impacts on businesses, particularly in the private sector. They emphasize the difficulties in implementing shorter working hours without harming economic performance and call for optimization of public administration before reducing working hours.
