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Bill would phase in a 32-hour workweek through overtime rules

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A new proposal in Congress would gradually shorten the federal standard workweek from 40 hours to 32 without automatically requiring employers to adopt a four-day schedule.

The Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act, introduced by Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont, and Rep. Mark Takano, a California Democrat, would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act. The overtime threshold would fall to 38 hours during the measure’s first year, 36 hours in the second and 34 hours in the third before reaching 32 hours.

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Once fully implemented, workers covered by federal overtime protections would generally receive time-and-a-half pay for hours worked beyond 32 each week. An eligible employee working 40 hours, for example, would receive eight hours of overtime pay.

The bill would also require overtime after eight hours of work in a day and double pay after 12 hours. Employers could not reduce affected workers’ weekly compensation or benefits solely because of the shorter standard.

The proposal would not guarantee a three-day weekend or prohibit employees from working more than 32 hours. Employers could distribute the hours across four or more days and require additional work if they paid the applicable overtime rate.

Existing exemptions under federal labor law, including those covering certain executive, administrative and professional employees, would remain relevant.

Supporters say productivity gains from artificial intelligence and automation should give workers more time away from their jobs without lowering their income. Sanders and Takano have backed similar proposals in previous Congresses.

Opponents have argued that requiring employers to maintain weekly pay while reducing standard hours could increase labor costs, prices or pressure to limit hiring.

Smaller trials have produced encouraging results, although they differ from a nationwide mandate. A 2022 British experiment involving about 2,900 workers reported declines in sick leave and employee departures. San Juan County, Washington, made a 32-hour schedule permanent for much of its workforce after reporting more job applications, reduced sick-leave use and estimated savings, while acknowledging challenges in staffing public services.

Source: Newsweek

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