WASHINGTON – Progressive Democrats are renewing a push to make four-day workweeks federal legislation, with lead sponsor Rep. Mark Takano of California saying the change will give Individuals extra time “to dwell, play, and revel in life extra totally outdoors of labor.”
Takano launched a invoice earlier this month that would cut back the usual workweek from 40 hours to 32, successfully ending the normal five-day cycle.
The laws follows a shift in office traits after the COVID-19 pandemic influenced conversations about what the way forward for work might appear like.
“Staff throughout the nation are collectively reimagining their relationship to labor – and our legal guidelines must comply with go well with,” Takano stated in a press release.
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How Congress invoice would create four-day workweek
Takano’s laws, the Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act, would amend the definition of the workweek within the federal Truthful Labor Requirements Act of 1938. It could require time beyond regulation pay at a charge of time and half for any worker who works greater than 32 hours in a single week.
The proposal would apply to non-exempt staff who’re usually paid hourly in industries like leisure and hospitality, transportation, building, manufacturing, wholesale and retail commerce. Some salaried staff additionally would meet the invoice’s provisions.
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Democratic Reps. Pramila Jayapal of Washington and Jan Schakowsky of Illinois co-sponsored the laws alongside Takano. The Congressional Progressive Caucus, which Jayapal chairs, additionally endorsed the invoice.
“For too lengthy, our nation has prioritized company earnings over working individuals and Individuals have been compelled to work longer hours, sacrificing time with family members,” Jayapal stated in a press release.
What would a four-day workweek imply for employers?
The proposed invoice would imply employers should compensate workers for hours accrued past 32 or face gaps in staffing that will require hiring extra staff.
In line with a launch from Takano’s workplace, the proposed invoice would create extra labor market participation and permit workers to barter for elevated wages and dealing situations.
Greater than 70 British corporations have began to check a four-day workweek, and midway by means of the six-month trial, most respondents reported there was no loss in productiveness.
U.S. staff work 200 hours extra a yr than staff in different developed nations, in line with a launch from Takano’s workplace.
Extra: Will your distant job keep that approach?
Might a four-day workweek change into legislation?
Takano, a member of the Home Training and the Workforce Committee, launched comparable laws in 2021, however it was not voted on within the Home or Senate.
It’s unlikely Takano’s invoice would garner sufficient assist this Congress to go each chambers, with Republicans main the Home.
“Now we have earlier than us the chance to make common sense adjustments to work requirements handed down from a distinct period,” Takano stated. “The Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act would enhance the standard of lifetime of staff, assembly the demand for a extra truncated workweek that enables room to dwell, play, and revel in life extra totally outdoors of labor.”
This text initially appeared on USA TODAY: Can California Rep. Mark Takano’s 4-day workweek invoice go Congress?