Title: Iranian Parliament Revisits Proposal for Five-Day Government Workweek
Introduction
A legislative proposal to amend Iran’s civil service law and establish a five-day workweek for government employees is under renewed parliamentary review. The bill, which would officially close government offices on Thursdays, has been returned to committee for further deliberation on its technical and financial particulars.
Bill Returned to Committee for Scrutiny
During a public session, the Iranian Parliament (Majlis) addressed points raised by the Guardian Council regarding the proposed amendment to Article 87 of the Civil Service Management Law. Following a debate, lawmakers voted to refer the bill back to the Social Commission for a more comprehensive examination. This step underscores the legislature’s commitment to meticulous review and ensuring all legislation is sound before enactment.
Financial Considerations Take Center Stage
The decision for further review was prompted by formal points of order raised by MPs, including Alireza Salimi, a member of the presiding board, and Mohsen Zanganeh from the Plan and Budget Commission. The core concern highlighted was that the current amendments did not fully address the earlier objections from the High Supervisory Board. A primary focus of the debate was the potential financial implications of the policy, with MPs stressing the need to ensure the reform does not place an undue economic burden on the state.
Next Steps in the Legislative Process
This return to committee signifies a routine and deliberate phase in the Iranian legislative process. The Social Commission will now undertake a detailed analysis to refine the proposal, aiming to reconcile the operational benefits of a shortened workweek with fiscal responsibility. The bill’s progress will be closely watched, as its outcome could significantly impact the work-life balance of public sector employees and the operational hours of government institutions.