Russian billionaire and entrepreneur Oleg Deripaska has sparked a major debate by proposing a drastic change to the country's labor regime. Citing the severe loss of global economic opportunities, the businessman suggested that Russian citizens should transition to working twelve hours a day, from Monday through Saturday. According to Deripaska, this intense schedule is a necessary measure to help the national economy recover from its current crisis.
The entrepreneur emphasized that human capital remains Russia's most valuable resource. He argued that during difficult economic times, the ability and willingness of the population to work significantly longer hours could be the key to overcoming financial hardships and stabilizing the country's future.
While the proposal seems extreme, it has found partial support among some experts. Gennady Onishchenko, an academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, acknowledged that a six-day workweek could potentially benefit the struggling economy. However, Onishchenko was quick to point out that implementing such a system is currently impossible. He cited existing labor legislation, the strong opposition expected from trade unions, and the general public's lack of readiness for such a demanding lifestyle change.
Meanwhile, the Russian State Duma has clarified its stance on the matter. Yaroslav Nilov, the head of the relevant parliamentary committee, stated that lawmakers are not currently discussing any changes to the standard working hours. Nilov emphasized that any potential modifications to labor laws must involve comprehensive negotiations between the government, employers, and trade unions.
The initiative has also faced sharp criticism from various political figures. Leonid Slutsky, the leader of the LDPR party, publicly rejected Deripaska's proposal. Slutsky argued that instead of forcing citizens to work longer hours, the government and business leaders should focus on improving overall labor productivity and increasing wages to stimulate economic growth.
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