What’s going on:Â Â
Congressman Mark Takano has reintroduced his 32-Hour Workweek Act (a revolutionary bill aiming to shift the current standard workweek of 40 hours to 32) by revising the Fair Labor Standards Act, according to Business Insider. Â
“Workers across the nation are collectively reimagining their relationship to labor – and our laws need to follow suit,” said Takano, a Democrat from California. Â
Why it matters:Â Â
Takano has long been advocating for a shorter working week, having first proposed the legislation back in 2021 and receiving endorsement from the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Â
His bill would make workers entitled to overtime when they exceed 32 hours a week, which would both give them more money in their pockets and encourage employers to keep their hours short.Â
Other lawmakers have also called for a shortened work week. Last month Sen. Bernie Sanders pushed for the idea and said on Twitter that with “exploding technology and increased worker productivity, it’s time to move toward a four-day work week with no loss of pay. Workers must benefit from technology, not just corporate CEOs.”Â
How it’ll impact the future:Â Â
Politicians have voiced their backing of the four-day workweek following the excellent results from numerous studies conducted both nationally and internationally. Â
As the four-day workweek gains traction and legitimacy, employers, politicians and organizations are taking note. This shortened workweek, if implemented, could revolutionize the way we work.
