Sanders Proposes Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Legislation

Why it matters locally: For Montana's workforce, particularly in industries like manufacturing, construction, and agriculture, this legislation could significantly alter employment practices and the calculation of overtime wages if passed.

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Senator Bernie Sanders introduced legislation designed to reduce the standard workweek to 32 hours. The "Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act" outlines a plan to achieve this reduction over a four-year timeframe. The proposal specifically aims to lower the maximum hours threshold for overtime pay. This adjustment would transition the federal standard workweek from its current 40 hours to 32 hours. Under the terms of the proposed act, workers would maintain their current pay levels. The legislation also specifies that employees would continue to receive their existing benefits.