Arcandias Council Ban Employee Holidays in the Name of Productivity

Darian Lake
Nov 19, 2024
2 min read

November 19, 2024

By Darian Lake, Senior Business Reporter

Arcanum, Valora – The Arcandian Council voted 83-67 today in favor of the Efficiency Act of 2024, eliminating all employee holidays for workers in the private sector. The controversial bill, which is set to go into effect next year, cites a “need for constant engagement” to “sustain the competitiveness of Arcandian enterprises on a global scale.”

The Arcandian Council as the Efficiency Act of 2024 passes

(Photo by Clara Boyd, Arcandian Press Agency)

The new law mandates that companies, large and small, cease the practice of giving their employees days off for holidays. Instead, workers will be encouraged to take "refresher breaks", company-approved 15-minute intervals scattered throughout the workday. Proponents argue that the change will boost productivity and strengthen the Arcandian economy, while critics fear it could lead to a workforce on the brink of collapse.

The bill, spearheaded by a coalition of representatives from Arcandias Mining and Manufacturing Corporation (AMMC) and Arcandias Financial Trust (AFT), has garnered praise from the corporate world for its focus on maximizing output and efficiency. The CEO of Glint Global Holdings called it “an exciting new chapter in Arcandias' industrial evolution.” "We believe this is the future of business in Arcandias—work without interruption, work without limits,” they said during a press conference. “Our country thrives on the strength of its businesses, and this law reflects the commitment to building a workforce that never rests.”

CEO of Arcandias Mining and Manufacturing Corporation, applauding the passage of the Efficiency

Act at the council meeting today. (Photo by Evelyn Harper, Arcandian Business Group)

However, the decision has sparked outrage among workers, with many accusing the government of putting the desires of corporations ahead of the welfare of workers. “The council has just sold out the hardworking citizens of Arcandias,” said Mariana Costa, a worker for AMMC. “This is not progress. It’s exploitation. We are at risk of turning into a society of corporate drones with no lives outside the office.”

The law does make exceptions for specific industries, such as healthcare and emergency services, where “sensitive situations” require more flexibility. However, for the majority of the workforce, holidays—whether national or personal—are now officially a thing of the past. In addition, the bill includes a provision for national holiday celebration, stating "Holidays that are during the working week, will now be moved to be celebrated during the weekend"

Critics argue that the law is yet another win for the largest corporations, who stand to gain the most from an always-working population. AMMC, AFT, and other corporate giants like Mapple Technologies Arcandias (ATA) have long been lobbying for increased work hours and fewer breaks, citing a more “robust” economic environment. As a result of the bill’s passing, many analysts predict that the Arcandian Council will soon see a surge in corporate donations for the 2029 election cycle.

The new law has brought Arcandias to the forefront of international conversation, with many watching to see how it will shape the future of work. With this shift, only time will tell whether the country's bold move toward “endless productivity” will be hailed as a groundbreaking achievement or unrest.