More than 2,100 provincial employees in Manitoba took advantage of program last year saving the province $2.5 million
Manitoba has renewed a voluntary reduced work week program for provincial staff. The program gives employees the option of taking up to 15 days off without pay.
The program, introduced in 2002 as a pilot project, has saved the government a significant amount of money. According to statistics from the province, more than 2,100 employees — or about 15 per cent of the workforce — took advantage of the program in 2003-2004, reducing costs by about $2.5 million. In 2002-2003, nearly 2,000 employees took advantage of the program, which reduced costs by $1.9 million.
“Employees like having the option of taking additional time off without pay for personal time and other pursuits and we are pleased to be able to offer the program against this year,” said Greg Selinger, the minister responsible for the civil service. “Over the years, we have found the program was also helpful in managing government expenditures.”
Employees must submit their leave requests by April 7. Under the voluntary reduced work week program, no employee is required to take time off. Rather, departments will consider leave requests from employees in the context of operational requirements and staffing levels.
Pay deductions for approved leaves will be spread over 23 pay periods, from May 14, 2004, to March 18, 2005, to minimize the financial impact on employees, the province said.
The program, introduced in 2002 as a pilot project, has saved the government a significant amount of money. According to statistics from the province, more than 2,100 employees — or about 15 per cent of the workforce — took advantage of the program in 2003-2004, reducing costs by about $2.5 million. In 2002-2003, nearly 2,000 employees took advantage of the program, which reduced costs by $1.9 million.
“Employees like having the option of taking additional time off without pay for personal time and other pursuits and we are pleased to be able to offer the program against this year,” said Greg Selinger, the minister responsible for the civil service. “Over the years, we have found the program was also helpful in managing government expenditures.”
Employees must submit their leave requests by April 7. Under the voluntary reduced work week program, no employee is required to take time off. Rather, departments will consider leave requests from employees in the context of operational requirements and staffing levels.
Pay deductions for approved leaves will be spread over 23 pay periods, from May 14, 2004, to March 18, 2005, to minimize the financial impact on employees, the province said.
