FRANCAIS

March 17, 2004

Greg Selinger, minister responsible for the civil service, today announced the renewal of the voluntary reduced work week program, allowing provincial employees the option of taking up to 15 days off without pay.

Over 2,100 employees—or 15 per cent of the workforce—took advantage of the program, which reduced costs by $2.5 million in 2003-04. In 2002-03, 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 again this year," Selinger said. "Over the years we have found that 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 will be 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 voluntary reduced work week program was introduced as a pilot project in 2002.

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