These autoworkers just achieved what the UAW couldn't

One of the most controversial items on the list of demands propped up by the United Auto Workers prior to the strike and contract negations with Detroit's Big Three automakers was the implementation of the 32-hour workweek, or the four-day workweek.

Though Shawn Fain's UAW was not able to get the amendment written into their newly ratified contracts with Ford (F) - Get Free Report, General Motors (GM) - Get Free Report and Stellantis (STLA) - Get Free Report, workers at a prestigious and notable automaker across the pond were able to get it.

As part of an agreement with the Federazione Impiegati Operai Metallurgici (Italian Federation of Metalworkers, or FIOM) and the Federazione Italiana Metalmeccanici (Italian Federation of Metal Mechanics, or FIM-CISL) labor unions, Italian supercar manufacturer Lamborghini will be introducing a four-day workweek for its production workers.

In a statement, the unions said that the agreement with the raging bull is "historical," as it is the first in the entire European auto industry to achieve a major reduction in working hours without cutting wages – rather, their newly negotiated deal increased their pay.

Four-day work weeks have been adopted in other workplaces around Europe, including the United Kingdom, where they found that employees were more productive, stayed in their jobs, got sick less, while workplaces gained additional staff. "Work less and work better, this is the principle that guided this negotiation, and which is part of a comprehensive reasoning," The FIOM and FIM-CISL said in a statement.

At Lamborghini, line workers as part of a rotating two-shift schedule will alternate a five-day week with a four day week, which would cut 22 days of work per year. Those in positions with three shift rotations will have a five-day week alternated with two four-day weeks, which will cut 31 days of work per year.

In addition to the shortened weeks, the deal includes a 50% increase in the current variable bonuses paid to workers, as well as a one-off bonus of $1,082 to be paid in December. The new agreement with the Volkswagen-owned (VLKAF) brand will also add 500 new jobs to their workforce.

Despite being a major item on the UAW's initial bargaining wish list, the four-day work week was a non-starter with the Detroit 3 automakers, even as the union won historic gains in wages and benefits from the companies.

According to Ford, workers on production lines in the United States assembled more than than 1.8 million vehicles in 2022. Lamborghini, on the other hand, delivered 9,233 cars around the world during the same period.