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They probably want to maximise the uptime of the machinery
That doesn't justify the rotation. Just hire specific people for each shift.
They're trying to "make it fair" so everyone has to share the bad shifts.
Also they're trying to prevent burnout maybe.
Mostly it's about saving money cuz they don't have to pay shift premiums for 2nd and 3rd shift.
Then make the rotations 6 months, not one week. There is absolutely no need for a rolling schedule in one week increments. I've done it. If you want to prevent burnout, that is absolutely not the way to do it.
Having worked 3rd shift in the past myself and knowing multiple people who have worked rotating shifts, there are a lot of people who do want frequent rotations so they can do things on a 'normal schedule' every couple of weeks. They either learned to sleep on demand from the military or think they can just switch constantly with no issues, but really do want the frequent rotation.
Obviously the companies are taking advantage of those kind of people by giving them what the workers think they want even though it is horrible in the long term for most people.
Also they're trying to prevent burnout maybe.
I dunno about everyone else, but a rotating shift like that would destroy me. A locked in schedule, even overnight, would be infinitely better for preventing burnout for me.
They have a few options of what to do while treating workers fairly, even under the framework of capitalism
- raise wages until workers are willing to work the nightshift permanently
- raise prices till demand matches the output you are able to achieve while treating your workers fairly
- increase production throughput by opening additional lines so supply you output matches demand
- bring democracy into the workplace and let the workers decide if they want to work rotating shifts so the company can save money
Fucking over your workers isn't an acceptable option. As a society, we can't accept people's lives being made worse in the name of saving money.
I'm gonna guess they have a hard time hiring for the night shifts. I know at my job they struggle hiring people who want to work those.
Your job has a hard time paying enough for people to work there.
It does tho in my opinion
Let’s play this out, what’s more likely to get job applicants:
Job with rotating shifts
Working 3rd shift
They're trying to accomplish that without the aid of an industrial engineer who would immediately tell them their plan was shit.