Working 9-to-5 is long enough day for many people, and NRMA Insurance workers in Sydney couldn’t agree more. With a new workplace agreement in the offing, they have reacted badly to a company suggestion that the extra half hour would be worth it in financial terms.

Parent company IAG wants staff to spend 37.5 hours a week at work, and about half already do that. Trouble is, the other half only work 35 hours and see the salary sacrifice as well worth it. Most say they prefer to spend the time with their families.

IAG is trying hard to ensure people don’t feel pressured by its preference for a 37.5-hour week. “Employees can remain on a 35-hour week or increase it to a 37.5 hour week and receive a corresponding 7% increase in salary,” a spokesman said. “It’s a choice.”

The affected NRMA Insurance staff are even planning a campaign with a theme: “I Have a Life” – obviously they don’t think it’s work-related. The Finance Sector Union says many of them have arranged their lives around a shorter working week.