After hearing about all of the planned production slowdowns and temporary production closures in the auto industry there is a new idea getting around. Rather than closing for a month, how about implementing a three day weekend.

The three day weekend reminds me of efforts to standardize the 40 hour work week (9am-5pm, Monday-Friday). It's a simple idea that can help businesses reduce the costs associated with labour wages and in exchange gives those people more time to spend with their family.

Looking at it, if the 40 hour work week was developed in an era of single income nuclear family (Two parents, 2.5 children) then a planned reduction in production might be a good opportunity for those same families.

I understand the existing drive for some people to work twelve hour shifts for six days a week, but for healthy families the demands for involvement outside of the workplace have been increasing. Extracurricular services continue to be put farther from some neighborhoods as a cost cutting measure for school boards, making it a necessity for parental involvement. Three day weekends, for families, and for the economy.

Families consume, which is supposed to be good for the economy. Families produce, as a means to support themselves. Families welcome quality of life taxes, that make the world a better place. Increased production and consumption relate to increased tax revenues, even with lower tax rates. So maybe it's time to ask your peers at work if the three day weekend is good for them in this recession.