Could the US workweek drop to 32 hours? New Congress bill backed by Bernie Sanders and Mark Takano could change overtime rules

Is the United States of America headed for a 32 hour workweek? A new bill introduced in Congress could change how the standard workweek is calculated in the US, gradually moving the federal overtime threshold from 40 hours to 32 hours a week, reports NewsWeek.

US Rep. Mark Takano, D-California, and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, introduced the Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act this week. The proposal would phase in a shorter workweek over four years rather than immediately reducing the number of hours Americans work. If passed, workers covered by the bill would eventually qualify for overtime pay after working more than 32 hours in a week.

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What does the 32-hour workweek bill propose?

The bill would gradually reduce the federal standard workweek over four years. The proposal would not necessarily force employers to send workers home after 32 hours. Instead, it would change the point at which overtime pay applies.

Under the legislation, hours worked beyond 32 hours would be treated as overtime and paid at time and a half, according to the bill. That means an employee could still work more than 32 hours, but those additional hours could come with higher pay.

The legislation also seeks to prevent employers from simply reducing workers' pay or benefits because of the shorter standard workweek. The goal is to make sure that moving toward a 32-hour workweek does not automatically mean workers take home less money.

The proposal is therefore not simply about giving Americans an extra day off. It is also about changing how employers compensate workers who put in additional hours.

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Why are Sanders and Takano pushing a 32-hour workweek?

Takano and Sanders have argued that the nature of work has changed significantly, particularly as productivity has increased and businesses have adopted new technologies.

"Work has fundamentally changed," Takano said in a news release. "It’s time that labor standards caught up. I’m proud to continue partnering with Senator Sanders in reintroducing this bill to make sure that the gains from historically high productivity are felt by all American workers.”

The lawmakers have previously pushed similar legislation. This is the fourth time Takano or Sanders has introduced a 32-hour workweek bill since 2021. The latest proposal comes as artificial intelligence and automation are rapidly changing workplaces and raising questions about how workers should benefit from productivity gains.

Would Americans automatically get a four-day workweek?

Not necessarily. A 32-hour workweek could make a four-day, eight-hour schedule more common, but the bill does not simply require every employer to switch to four days of work. Instead, its key change is the overtime threshold.

Employers could continue scheduling workers for more than 32 hours, but covered employees would eventually receive overtime pay for hours beyond that threshold. The proposal faces a difficult path in Congress. Republicans currently control both the House and Senate, making passage of the legislation unlikely in its current form.

The bill would therefore need significant political support before it could become law. For now, the proposal represents another push by Sanders and Takano to rethink the traditional 40-hour US workweek and give workers a greater share of the benefits from rising productivity.

FAQs

What is the 32-hour workweek bill?

The Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act would gradually lower the federal overtime threshold from 40 hours to 32 hours.

Who introduced the 32-hour workweek bill?

Rep. Mark Takano of California and Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont introduced the legislation.

Would Americans have to work only 32 hours?

No. Employers could still schedule workers for more than 32 hours, but covered workers would eventually receive overtime pay for hours beyond 32.

How much would overtime pay be?

The bill defines overtime as time and a half for hours worked beyond the applicable threshold.

Will the 32-hour workweek become law?

The bill faces an uphill battle in Congress, particularly with Republicans controlling both chambers.