As bank workers strike, a brief history of how the 8-hour, 5-day workweek began

Bank employees represented by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) have launched a strike from September 28 to 30, demanding a shift from a six-day to a five-day workweek. This demand echoes a global movement for a four-day workweek in various sectors. The UFBU's push for the change stemmed from India's historic banking work culture.

Prior to the 2015 agreement, banks operated from Monday to Friday with a half-day on Saturday. Subsequently, Saturdays were declared full working days to compensate for the half-day. However, the UFBU argues that bank work has become increasingly stressful, making the remaining Saturdays legitimate demands for holidays.

The five-day workweek in Indian government offices began in 1985 when the Department of Personnel & Training introduced the change to improve administrative efficiency. Subsequently, several state governments, including Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Punjab, Delhi, and West Bengal, followed suit. In recent times, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for fuel conservation led Tripura to adopt a five-day workweek, with working hours from 9.30 am to 6 pm.

The 8-hour, 5-day workweek emerged in the late 18th century during the Industrial Revolution as factory workers replaced agriculture as the primary occupation. American industrialist Henry Ford revolutionized production with the moving assembly line in 1913, reducing worker discretion and speeding up production. Ford introduced an 8-hour day and higher pay, anticipating that well-paid workers with more leisure time would become new customers for his cars.

The push for a 40-hour week was further fueled by the Civil War, during which soldiers returning from battle and newly freed African Americans sought better wages and working conditions, leading to the formation of 'Eight-Hour Leagues'. This resulted in Sunday becoming a day of religious observance, giving rise to the modern 'weekend'.

Today, the debate around shortening the workweek continues, with proponents arguing that it would increase productivity and improve work-life balance.