Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has unveiled a groundbreaking proposal: the introduction of a standard four-day workweek across the United States, with no reduction in workers' compensation. Dubbed the Thirty-Two-Hour Workweek Act, this legislation aims to recalibrate the balance between work and life, capitalizing on the productivity gains afforded by modern technology without diminishing employee earnings.
Under Sanders' plan, the bar for qualifying for overtime compensation would gradually lower from the current 40-hour threshold to 32 hours within four years. The bill stipulates that employees should receive time-and-a-half pay for hours worked beyond eight in a day and double pay for any work exceeding 12 hours, ensuring that the move towards fewer working days does not translate to decreased income for workers.
"The time has come for workers to benefit from the immense strides made in productivity, much of which is attributable to advancements in artificial intelligence, automation, and other new technologies," Sanders stated. Highlighting the stark contrast between today's labor conditions and those of the 1940s-when American productivity was 400% lower-Sanders emphasized that despite technological advancements, many workers today find themselves in a cycle of extended hours and diminishing wages.
The legislation, co-sponsored by Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.) and introduced in the House by Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.), seeks to address the widening economic disparity between the workforce and the upper echelons of corporate America. "As executive salaries soar, the rank and file are left to contend with stagnating wages and escalating work demands. This bill is a step towards rectifying that imbalance," Butler remarked.
The push for a condensed workweek is not without precedent. Globally, nations like France, Norway, and Denmark have already adopted shorter workweeks, with France contemplating a further reduction to 32 hours. These changes reflect a growing recognition of the positive correlation between employee well-being and productivity-a sentiment echoed in recent pilot programs and studies cited by Sanders.
As the U.S. stands on the cusp of this potential shift, the forthcoming committee hearing chaired by Sanders will further explore the implications of a four-day workweek. Among the slated speakers is United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain, whose insights will contribute to the broader dialogue on workweek reform.
This legislative initiative arrives at a critical juncture, as the world grapples with the dual challenges of ensuring economic growth and maintaining social well-being. With the Thirty-Two-Hour Workweek Act, Sanders and his colleagues are advocating for a future where technological advancements serve not only the interests of a privileged few but the broader societal good, fostering a more equitable and fulfilled workforce in the process.
