Sen. Bernie Sanders is attempting to pass a law that would shorten a full work week from five days (40 hours) to four (32 hours). Jennifer Liu reports for CNBC:
The act would shorten the standard workweek over four years by mandating that overtime pay kicks in after 32 hours worked in a week, down from the current 40. Those who work more than 8 hours in a day would get overtime pay at time-and-a-half, and those who work more than 12 hours in a day would be entitled to double their regular pay.
Today’s 40-hour workweek has been federal law since 1940 following the passing of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Proponents of a shorter workweek say advances in technology have made workers more productive, but have not resulted in higher wages or time back.
Action Line: Of course, Uncle Bernie wants a four day work week. He never had a job in his life, and he never had to make a payroll. Business owners and consumers know that artificially raising wages distorts the economy and ultimately places new burdens on consumers. Just look at the minimum wage. America is a capitalist country, no matter how badly Sanders wishes it weren’t so. Price floors and quotas will only make things worse for small businesses and consumers. Click here to subscribe to my free monthly Survive & Thrive letter.
