32 Hour Workweek Act: Exploring What It Is and Who It Impacts

Do you feel like you’re working too many hours? Many Americans are in the same boat. It’s no surprise that this issue has been brought up in Congress and that Congressman Mark Takano has reintroduced the 32-Hour Workweek Act. The bill is designed to reduce the standard workweek from 40 hours to 32 hours and provide non-exempt employees (hourly wage workers) with better overtime compensation.

What Is the 32-Hour Workweek Act? 

The 32-Hour Workweek Act is a bill introduced by Congressman Mark Takano that seeks to reduce the standard workweek from 40 hours to 32 hours. The bill would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and lower the maximum hours threshold for overtime compensation for non-exempt employees. This legislation does not limit the number of hours a person may work in a workweek but simply amends the definition of the workweek in federal law.   

What Organizations Have Endorsed This Bill?  

The 32-Hour Workweek Act has been endorsed by:

  • 4-Day Week Global
  • American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)
  • Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
  • United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW)
  • Economic Policy Institute (EPI)
  • National Employment Law Project (NELP)
  • Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) 

Who Are the Original Cosponsors of the Bill?  

The original cosponsors of the 32-Hour Workweek Act are Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL).   

What Are the Potential Benefits of This Legislation?  

The 32-Hour Workweek Act has the potential to increase wage-earning opportunities for a larger number of workers by limiting the number of hours required to reach the full-time threshold, as well as allowing for better work-life balance and overall health outcomes. It could also help create more job opportunities by reducing the hours of a full-time position and opening up more positions for people who are looking for part-time jobs.   

Who Does This Legislation Impact?  

The majority of workers impacted by the 32-Hour Workweek Act would be non-exempt, hourly workers, but some salaried workers fall under the scope of the bill’s provisions.   

Conclusion  

This re-introduced legislation is an important step in the right direction to ensure that working people have improved job-life balance and increased dignity. It is not only necessary to protect workers from the harmful effects of overwork, but also to recognize the changing needs of America’s workforce. This bill is an opportunity to redefine the standard work week and empower workers to achieve a healthier and fairer society.

Piotr Gacon
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