Progreso Latino goes with four-day workweek

I'm late in getting to this news about Progreso Latino, but I haven't seen it reported elsewhere -- and it seems like a novel response to concerns about global warming and growing utility costs.

Central Falls, R.I. - Due to rising fuel costs and an increase in energy prices Progreso Latino announced it will switch to a four-day work week for the summer beginning Monday, June 23. Progreso’s 25 employees will not work on Fridays.

“Progreso Latino is stepping up and taking measures that will help to improve the quality of life in Central Falls,” said Ramon Martinez Progreso Latino’s CEO. “This measure will not only benefit the organization to reduce its costs, but will also address rising concerns of global warning caused by gas emissions.”

Ramon Martinez also said that more than more 80 percent of U.S. workers commute alone in their cars. If all companies reduced the workweek to four days then the gas consumption would be reduced by 20 percent.           

“This is just a small step towards helping the environment, but Progreso Latino is convinced that taking this measure will set up a trend in non-profit organizations throughout the United States,” said Ramon Martinez.

Progreso Latino Inc. is a resilient organization that empowers the Latino community providing knowledge, skills, training, continuum of services and opportunities for well-being, self sufficiency, human development, prosperity and a flourishing community. Progreso Latino also wants to take a step further and think about the environment in our communities.