A California representative has put resubmitted abillto make a four - twenty-four hours work week a Union authorization , to re - equilibrize how workers ’ felicity and wellness are prioritized alongside company profits . Rep. Mark Takanotold CNBCthat he believe this move will “ increase the happiness of humankind ” by thin out the figure of worked hours per week , while making it soft to access overtime salary and ensuring earnings stay the same .
“ Workers across the Carry Nation are jointly reimagining their human relationship to Labor Department – and our laws need to follow suit , ” said Rep. Takano in astatementfrom Takano ’s press office .
“ We have before us the opportunity to make vulgar sense alteration to study standards hand down from a dissimilar era . The Thirty - Two Hour Workweek Act would improve the calibre of life story of worker , meeting the need for a more truncated workweek that allows room to live , play , and enjoy aliveness more fully outdoors of employment . ”
The bill would formally reduce the standard work hebdomad from 40 hour to 32 hours ( hence the name ) , with any more hour work receiving overtime compensation of at least one and a half metre the hourly rate . It is comprehensive in secure that companies do not take the thin work week but attempt to compensate it in other areas , such as reducing salary or increasing hours lick during the otherfour Day , but still leaves some dubiousness about how hourly rate laborers could be protect .
The move follow logical Modern research that demonstrates four - day workings workweek are typically preferred by both employees and employers . Arecent large trialin the UK postulate 61 companies for six month result in 56 extending the trial run after positive results and 18 lay down it permanent . This is further punt up byanother trial in Icelandthat had alike success .
Despite the determination , there have yet to be any important insurance policy changes . Most companies exposed to it report positive experiences , but getting many to try the estimation in the first place is the challenge presently faced by think cooler and four - day - week counselor-at-law . This bill could be the first step in changing that .
“ Many workers are struggling to equilibrize make more hours to earn more income against having more time to focus on themselves , their families , and other pursuits . However , while studies have shown that long process hours hurt health and productivity , taking control of work - living balance is often a privilege only give to high - earning prole , ” sound out Heidi Shierholz , President of the Economic Policy Institute , in a statement .
“ This circular would help protect workers against the harmful effects of overwork by recognize the need to redefine standard around the piece of work week . Reducing Americans ’ stock work calendar week is primal to attain a healthy and fairer society . ”