Politics
New Bill Would Create a 32-Hour Workweek in the US. Here’s What to Know
A new bill introduced in Congress is looking to shorten the standard U.S. workweek.
Last week, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) and U.S. Rep. Mark Takano (D-California) reintroduced the Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act. The bill has undergone several revisions since it was first introduced in 2021 and now faces lawmakers for the fourth time.
The proposed change would prevent employers from cutting pay or benefits while allowing workers to earn overtime pay starting at 32 hours a week instead of 40.
Sanders and Takano said artificial intelligence has increased productivity in the workplace, arguing that the country’s standards need to catch up with its technological advances.
If passed, the law would take effect over a four-year period. The standard workweek would be reduced to 38 hours in the first year, 36 in the second, 34 in the third and finally reach 32 four years after the law went into effect.
Business owners and economists are voicing concerns the bill would hurt the same people it aims to help. As companies will be required to pay more for labor, those increased costs could lead to higher prices.
Andy Challenger, chief revenue officer at outplacement and executive coaching firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas, said workers could be the ones making up for these costs.
“While we absolutely, desperately need to address real wealth inequality in the country, my worry is this would be a bill that’s not the most effective way to do that and would have some real costs for employers that could damage companies in a way that damages the overall economy,” Challenger said.
Supporters of the bill argue the economy will inevitably change. Richard Rodriguez, state director for Illinois Service Workers United and national policy director with the One Fair Wage campaign, said as prices rise, so should wages.
“I don’t foresee the cost of goods ever going down,” Rodriguez said. “So why should we not be having serious conversations raising wages for all workers, livable wages and really thinking about the quality of life as people?”
The bill doesn’t guarantee a three-day weekend. Employers will decide how the 32 hours should be divided and whether employees can work extra hours, similar to how scheduling works now.
Jay Aldebert, chief growth officer at business development and management consulting company International Services Inc., warned the bill could also impact the job market if employers can no longer afford to hire workers once labor costs rise.
“If I have 10 employees, I’m essentially paying for 11,” Aldebert said. “So now I’ve hired an individual that doesn’t exist that obviously is producing nothing for me. And that becomes the issue in hiring is I’ve just taken on another individual and no production.”
4 Day Week Global, an organization that helps companies transition to a four-day workweek, reports 37 countries have already made the switch. According to the company’s website, a shorter workweek resulted in lower absenteeism, an increase in work ability and less stressed staff.
Rodriguez said while he sees this bill as progress, there’s a bigger need that should be addressed in order to pay workers fairly.
“I think this is one step in a longer trail that we’re facing,” Rodriguez said. “I believe that we need a living wage for all. There’s a bill right now in the House that our own congresswoman Delia Ramirez here in the state of Illinois introduced for a $25 minimum wage. I think we need to move that bill first.”
