Fischer would like Sundays off too

Stanley Fischer is reportedly following progress of Silvan Shalom's proposal.

The long weekend proposal by Minister of Negev and Galilee Development Silvan Shalom, which "Globes" was the first to report, may be gaining momentum. Hebrew daily "Yediot Ahronot" reports that Governor of the Bank of Israel Prof. Stanley Fischer supports it.

Shalom proposes that Israelis work Friday mornings in exchange for taking Sunday off, as per practice in most of the world. He proposes that the Friday workday end at 1 pm during winter and 2 pm during Daylight Savings Time. He claims that the long weekend will boost productivity and improve efficiency through better coordination with the world.

"Yediot Ahronot" says that Fischer supports the proposal in principle, and that he is monitoring the issue. The Bank of Israel said, "Governor Fischer has not yet reached his decision on the matter."

Histadrut chairman Ofer Eini is also considering the idea, after Shalom outlined it to him. A Histadrut team will review the initiative, as Shalom's proposal would require the reopening of public sector labor agreements.

Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) CEO Sam Bronfeld does not object to the proposal, saying that the TASE exists "in order to serve the Israeli economy, not vice versa". In other words, the TASE would adapt to any situation.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on April 7, 2011

© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2011

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