Pay less and keep the job?

gzlaser

SOME experts have proposed a temporary and practical alternative to layoffs, to avoid unemployment risks, China Economic Weekly reported recently. But the suggestion is caught between warring sides.

The \"Work Sharing\" system is based on the idea of cutting wages and work hours while maintaining the number of employees.

This work sharing system was initiated in some Western countries in the late 20th century, and comes in many forms. One example in California works like this:

Because of the economic downturn, a company with 100 employees finds it necessary to lay off 20 people. But, instead of laying off employees, the employer keeps all 100 people on the payroll. But it cuts the work time from five days a week to four, getting the same results as a 20-per-cent reduction in the payroll. Then, when business picks back up, the employees can go back to their five-day work schedule.

Some Chinese experts see this as a makeshift solution to the current gloomy job outlook.

But some people frown on the idea, saying it would sacrifice efficiency.

So, what's your opinion on this? Is it a good idea to let more people share one job and to pay each one less?