Full Breakdown
Sanders and Takako Push 32-Hour Workweek Bill
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Legislation
Independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Democratic Representative Mark Takako of California have reintroduced the Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act. The bill would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act to lower the federal standard workweek from 40 to 32 hours over four years, reducing the overtime threshold by two hours each year (40 -> 38 -> 36 -> 34 -> 32). Employees working beyond 32 hours would receive time-and-a-half pay; daily hours over eight would trigger the same rate, and any hours beyond 12 would be paid double. Employers may not cut base pay, hourly rates, or benefits to offset the reduction, but the bill does not require a four-day schedule.
Background & Context
The 40-hour week, set nearly 90 years ago, has been tested in several international pilots. In the United Kingdom (2022), 61 companies with about 2,900 workers reported lower burnout, fewer sick days and stable revenues during a six-month trial. Germany (2024) saw a four-hour weekly reduction across 45 firms with turnover and profits unchanged, and a 2026 follow-up showed most participants still using reduced hours. Portugal (2023) piloted the model in 41 companies, cutting average weekly hours to 36.5 while managers reported financial neutrality. South Africa (2023) included 27 firms, noting significant drops in burnout and fatigue and revenue growth for many participants.
Data & Statistics
- UK pilot (2022): Burnout down 71 %; sick days down 65 %; resignations down 57 %; revenues stable.
- Germany pilot (2024): Weekly hours fell ~4 h; turnover and profits stable; 70 % still using reduced time in 2026.
- Portugal pilot (2023): Average weekly hours 36.5; 80 % of managers reported financial neutrality.
- South Africa pilot (2023): Burnout down 57 %; fatigue down 36 %; mental well-being up 35 %; revenue increase for 13 of 21 firms.
- Public opinion: A Data for Progress poll (March 2024) found 57 % support for a 32-hour week.
Official Statements & Responses
Senator Sanders says advances in AI and robotics have boosted productivity without sharing gains with workers, making a shorter week “imperative” for equitable wealth distribution. Representative Takako calls the 40-hour standard outdated, noting productivity gains since 1979 while real wages have lagged.
Robert Bird, professor of business law at the University of Connecticut, calls a 32-hour standard “feasible” but notes it will require extensive scheduling adjustments.
Jay Aldebert, creator of the Profit by Design Methodology, says a four-day week can work for some businesses—especially office-based firms—but warns that sectors needing continuous staffing may face higher costs and staffing challenges.
Labor groups including the AFL-CIO, United Auto Workers, Service Employees International Union and 4 Day Week Global back the legislation.
Criticism & Opposition
Business groups and conservative lawmakers argue that mandating pay protection for a reduced-hour baseline could raise costs for small firms, fuel inflation or curb hiring. They warn employers might respond by increasing prices, cutting staff or demanding higher output during fewer hours.
What’s Next
The Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act is on the congressional agenda for the upcoming session. Lawmakers will debate its provisions and potential amendments, with its future hinging on committee hearings and floor votes.