Bill introduced to cut full-time workweek to 32 hours, or pay overtime

Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Mark Takano have reintroduced a bill aimed at reducing the standard full-time workweek from 40 to 32 hours, with overtime required after employees reach 32 hours. Takano said he first introduced the proposal in 2021 to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act for nonexempt workers, and later reintroduced it in the House in 2023; Sanders brought it back in 2024 in the Senate. Under the plan, the workweek would step down in tiers—38, then 36, 34, and eventually 32 hours over four years—without reducing pay or benefits, according to media reports. Several unions back it, while the Club for Growth argues it could cost jobs and make living less affordable.