Multiple-shift cargo handling personnel scheduling under the 3-4 compressed workweek

More than ever before, the cargo transportation industry must manage its operations very carefully if it is to adapt to the changes in its environment. One important planning problem is the scheduling of working hours in a day at cargo-offices. Many cargo offices operate 7 days a week with two or more shifts per day under the conventional 5-day workweek, but they have some problems related with working hours. Compressed workweeks (CWs) have gained much popularity in the work place since the early 1970's against to the work related problems. In a compressed workweek, a worker comes to work for fewer days a week, but works more hours per day. The two most well known CWs are the 3-day and 4-day workweeks. Many operations which have switched to a compressed workweek cite higher morale and productivity, decreases in turnover, absenteeism, overtime, requests for days off, tardiness, work commuting and easier recruitment. The goal of this paper is to find feasible compressed workweeks for cargo handling personnel much better than conventional 5-day workweek.