California representative Mark Takano is attempting to pass a bill lowering the work week down to 32 hours. He is trying to do this by amending the Fair Labor Standards Act and mandating overtime pay for work done past those four eight-hour days. The reason for this sudden movement is to "increase the happiness of all of humanity," the politician says.
Takano suggests that more people will be hired to compensate for each individual losing a day. Companies in the U.K. have found that the loss of that fifth day had actually increased productivity after a six-month testing phase. They accordingly decided that they won't be returning back to the normal five-day work week. Supporters of the movement are also saying that it will increase labor market participation and create healthier competition in the workplace. Takano's office claims that the average U.S. employee is working over 200 hours more per year than the rest of the developed world. Since they are surviving and thriving, America should also be able to slow down to their level.
Congress Considers Possible Repercussions
Not everyone is on board with the idea right now, though. Some people feel that a 32-hour week will make certain jobs harder. It will also make the businesses that are barely staying afloat since the pandemic crumble from additional labor costs. Others think that the dramatic change may only exacerbate ongoing staffing shortages. The shorter week could also cause some people to fall below the cost of living for the area, leaving them helpless. The critics think that the one-size-fits-all approach Tanako is pushing for won't work in several cases.
At this time, Americans are eagerly waiting to find out if the bill will be passed by Congress in the near future. It could be denied again like it was the first time that Mark Takano suggested it back in 2021. Back then, the economy was already on the brink from the pandemic, and the government wasn't comfortable accepting such a major change. However, since there is a bit more stability now, there is a higher chance that it will go through. Check back later for any updates on the situation.
[Via]