The last tire thumped onto the garage floor, and Drew wiped his hands on a red rag. It was Thursday at six. The shop had one empty line on the schedule and seven workers watching him.
Drew had read about a new plan for a shorter workweek that morning. He'd printed the first page and taped it beside the time clock. The paper said 32 hours. It also said no cut in pay.
'We could test four days,' said Nia, the lead mechanic. 'Give us Friday with our kids, our gardens, or our own quiet.'
Sam, who ran the front desk, pointed toward the waiting room. Three customers were still there. One needed a car for a night shift. Another had saved for the repair all month.
Drew knew the shop had wasted hours on late parts and repeat work. A tighter week might force better plans. But the shop might also need a higher price or a shorter open day. A customer who missed work could feel the cost right away.
Nia folded the paper. 'We aren't asking for less care. We're asking for less time lost to work.'
Sam shook his head. 'People come here because we open when other shops close. That promise matters too.'
Drew had promised the crew that any test would last long enough to learn from it. He'd also promised customers that a car left on Monday would be ready when they needed it. Both promises sat on the same blank page.
Drew pulled a fresh schedule from the drawer. The four long boxes sat beside five shorter ones. He could write the test in ink, or leave the old week in place. He knew the first line would shape the whole shop.
The workers leaned closer as he slowly raised the pen.