Push For 4-Day Workweek Reignited By CA Congressman

CALIFORNIA — Legislation seeking to cut the federal definition of a standard workweek from 40 to 32 hours got a fresh boost this month from Democratic Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39). Takano, who sits on the House committees for education and workforce, pitched a similar bill in 2021, and California considered state-level legislation last year.

The newly reintroduced "Thirty-Two-Hour Workweek Act" would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA) to lower the threshold for overtime compensation by a full workday for all non-exempt employees.

"Workers across the nation are collectively reimagining their relationship to labor — and our laws need to follow suit," Takano said this month. "We have before us the opportunity to make common sense changes to work standards passed down from a different era. The Thirty-Two-Hour Workweek Act would improve the quality of life of workers, meeting the demand for a more truncated workweek that allows room to live, play, and enjoy life more fully outside of work."

Takano's bill has already garnered endorsements from major unions, including the AFL-CIO, SEIU, and UFCW, along with groups like 4 Day Week Global and the Economic Policy Institute.

Early cosponsors include Reps. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), who chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

"For too long, our country has prioritized corporate profits over working people and Americans have been forced to work longer hours, sacrificing time with loved ones," Jayapal said. "Establishing a 32-hour work week would go a long way toward finally righting that balance."

Jayapal pointed to fresh data from a pilot program, which the congresswoman said illustrated the benefits of a four-day workweek for workers and companies alike. Lawmakers in Maryland this year are considering a similar trial that would extend businesses a tax credit to make the switch.

Other countries have also reported success with similar pilots, including Iceland, where researchers noted an "established and growing body of evidence" that reducing work time can actually boost productivity while improving workers' general well-being.

Takano's bill would not limit how many hours in a week an employee can work, and would simply change what federal law considers a full workweek. The congressman's office said hourly workers would see the most impact, but the provisions may also apply to certain salaried employees.

Those workers would be eligible for overtime pay after 32 hours, and those regularly working 32 hours would be classified as full-time employees.