Bernie Sanders Revives 32-Hour Workweek Plan as Critics Warn It Could Cost Jobs
Updated
Updated · Fox Business · Sep 9
Bernie Sanders Revives 32-Hour Workweek Plan as Critics Warn It Could Cost Jobs
2 articles · Updated · Fox Business · Sep 9
Summary
Sanders renewed his push to cut the federal standard workweek to 32 hours from 40 over four years, while keeping pay and benefits unchanged and triggering overtime after 32 hours.
The Vermont senator tied the proposal to AI-driven productivity gains, arguing workers should share in the benefits of new technology rather than work the same schedule.
Critics including Club for Growth President David McIntosh said a mandated shorter week would raise labor costs, risking job cuts, lost benefits and higher prices for consumers.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins also rejected the idea, saying the administration backs the “dignity of work” and does not see a four-day workweek as part of the American dream.
The renewed debate puts AI at the center of a broader fight over whether productivity gains should translate into shorter hours or higher output and wages.